M7s6 The Pancreas

Question 1

The pancreas overview

Answer 1

-long lobular organ that lies posterior to stomach, with medial end (head) reaching the duodenum and lateral end (tail) extending to spleen
-produces enzymes for digestion and the hormone insulin that regulate blood sugar levels
*refer to goodnotes
-the romance of the abdomen; the pancreas is often said to be a two-timing organ, with its head nestled in the arms of the duodenum and its tail in the bosom of the spleen

Question 2

Histology of pancreas

Answer 2

-pancreas a mixed gland, it has both exocrine and endocrine functions
*refer to goodnotes image
- the pancreas is said to bridge two systems: having exocrine functions in the digestive system and endocrine functions in the endocrine system

Question 3

Endocrine cells

Answer 3

-endocrine functions of the pancreas are the results of specialized groups of cells in the pancreatic islets or islets of Langerhans
-pancreatic islets have 2 main cell types: alpha and beta cells

Beta cells
-produce hormone insulin, which functions to lower blood glucose levels (hypoglycaemic hormone)

Alpha cells
-produce glucagon, a hormone that functions to increase blood glucose levels (hyperglycemic hormone)

Islet of Langerhans

Question 4

Other endocrine glands

Answer 4

Endocrine functions associated with:
-thymus
-digestive system
-kidneys
-gonads
-heart