The Pancreas

Question 1

What parts of the pancreas are part of the exocrine system?

Answer 1

• pancreatic duct
• enzymes for digestion

Question 2

What parts of the pancreas are part of the endocrine system?

Answer 2

• the Islets of Langerhans
• ductless
• vascular
• hormones

Question 3

What types of cells make up the islets of Langerhans?

Answer 3

Alpha Cells
- glucagon
- raises sugar levels

Beta Cells
- insulin
- lowers sugar levels

Question 4

What is the process of sugar in the body?

Answer 4

1. digested
2. absorbed into blood stream
3. transported around the body
4. used as fuel for cellular respiration

Question 5

What does it mean for sugar to be soluble?

Answer 5

It means that it is osmotically active/affects water potential

Question 6

What is the normal blood sugar level?

Answer 6

80-100mg per 100ml of blood

Question 7

What happens when sugar levels are raised?

Answer 7

1. insulin is produced from beta cells
2. glucose is converted to glycogen and stored
3. rate of respiration increases (metabolic rate increases)

Question 8

What happens after insulin is produced from beta cells?

Answer 8

• sugar levels go back to normal
• negative feedback process

Question 9

Why do blood sugar levels drop?

Answer 9

• after exercise
• lack of food

Question 10

What happens when sugar levels drop?

Answer 10

1. glucagon is produced from the alpha cells
2. glycogen is converted to glucose

Question 11

What is diabetes?

Answer 11

• a breakdown of cells in the pancreas
• lack of insulin
• high level of glucose in the blood

Question 12

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Answer 12

• tiredness
• large quantities of dilute urine
• glucose in urine
• great thirst
• bloodshot eyes