Structure and Function of the Pancreas (chapter 2 of hormonal communication)

Question 1

2 main functions of the pancreas in the body

Answer 1

1. Exocrine gland - to produce enzymes and release them via a duct into the duodenum
2. Endocrine gland - to produce hormones and release them into the blood

Question 2

Role as an exocrine gland

Answer 2

• Most of the pancreas is made up of exocrine glandular tissue
• Tissue is responsible for producing digestive enzymes and pancreatic juice (alkaline) - these are secreted into ducts which eventually lead to the pancreatic duct, and are released into the duodenum (top part of small intestine)
• Digestive enzymes produced - amylases (break down starch into simple sugars), proteases (break down proteins into amino acids), lipases (break down lipid into fatty acids and glycerol)

Question 3

Role of endocrine glands

Answer 3

Within endocrine tissues, there are areas called islets of Langerhans - cells of the islets are responsible for producing insulin and glucagon, and releasing these hormones directly into the bloodstream

Question 4

Histology of pancreas (examples of exo- and endo- tissues)

Answer 4

• Exocrine tissue - pancreatic acini = darker stained; small, berry-like clusters; produces and secretes digestive enzymes
• Endocrine tissue - islets of Langerhans = lighter stained; large, spherical clusters; produce and secrete hormones

Question 5

Islets of Langerhans - different cell types

Answer 5

• Alpha cells - produce and secrete glucagon, larger and more numerous
• Beta cells - these produce and secret insulin