Pancreas

Question 1

Is the pancreas endocrine or exocrine?

Answer 1

It has both endocrine and exocrine parts.

Question 2

What structure controls the exocrine function of the pancreas?

Answer 2

Acinar cells

Question 3

Describe how the exocrine function works in pancreas cells.

Answer 3

1. The acinar cells perform the exocrine function
2. Secretes alkaline fluid (pancreatic juice) to the upper portion of the small intestine called the duodenum via pancreatic ducts
3. The enzymes secreted are inactive precursors and only activated by enterokinase, an enzyme secreted by duodenal mucosa.

Question 4

Which hormone stimulates the acinar cells to release enzymes?

Answer 4

CCK (cholecystokinin)

Question 5

What enzymes do the acinar cells secrete?

Answer 5

1. Trypsin
2. Chymotrypsin

Question 6

What cells form the endocrine part of the pancreas?

Answer 6

The islets of Langerhans

Question 7

What supports the islets of Langerhans?

Answer 7

• Reticulin fibres and containing numerous fenestrated capillaries
• There is a capsule surrounding the Islets of Langerhans

Question 8

What do the Islets of Langerhans secrete?

Answer 8

• Alpha cells: Secrete glucagon
• Beta: Insulin
• Delta: Somatostatin