Pancreas Flashcards
What is the purpose of the pancreas
Produce pancreatic juice
What does pancreatic juice consist of
Digestive enzymes and bicarbonate ions
Why is the pancreas referred to as a dual purpose gland
It has an endocrine portion and an exocrine portion
What are islets of langerhans
Region of the pancreas that contains endocrine cells
What enzymes are released from the acinus
Amylase
Lipase
Trypsin
Nucleases
What does cystic fibrosis result in
Abnormal thick secretions
Damage to lungs, liver and pancreas
Destruction to primarily exocrine pancreas
Reduced digestive function
Why is pancreatic cancer so difficult to treat
Tumour is difficult to remove as it releases digestive enzymes which destroy the pancreas whilst undergoing surgery
What is the blood supply of the pancreas
The superior and inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery
What does somatostatin do
Inhibits secretion of other hormones
Where does the head and neck portion of the pancreas lie
In the c shaped curve of the duodenum
What does the tail of the pancreas touch
The spleen
What is the arrangement of the exocrine tissue
Compound acing
What do the ducts eventually release secretions into
Pancreatic duct - extends throughout the length of the pancreas
