Secretion in the pancreas and intestines Flashcards
Describe some of the functions of the pancreas
Produces enzymes for digestion of nutrients
Achieving optimum pH in small intestine
Regulates fed and fasted states
What is the pancreas divided into?
Lobules
Describe the network of ducts in the pancreas
Lobules drain into intralobular ducts, into interlobular ducts and into a main duct
What does the pancreatic duct merge with?
The bile duct
Where do the pancreatic products enter the duodenum?
Duodenal papilla
What controls secretion into the duodenum?
The sphincter of Oddi
What is the functional secretory unit of the pancreas?
An acinus (and a small intercalated duct)
What makes up an acinus?
A cluster of acinar cells
What do acinar cells secrete?
Zymogens
Digestive enzymes
Isotonic plasma-like fluid
How are acinar cells specialised for their role?
Large number of RER and secretory vesicles
What is a centroacinar cell?
The cells at the junction of the duct cells and acinar cells
What do goblet cells do?
Produce mucus
What is the purpose of mucus?
Lubrication
Hydration
Mechanical protection
Immunological role
How are acinar cells stimulated?
Through CCK and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors
Located on the basolateral cell membrane
What pathway leads to secretion from an acinar cell?
Phospholipase C (PLC/PKC)/Ca2+ signal-transduction pathway
What is the second method of activating an acinar cell?
VIP and secretin activate adenylyl cyclase, leading to the production of cAMP and the activation of PKA