The Pancreas under the Microscope 5.4.2

Question 1

What does the pancreas function as?

Answer 1

Both an endocrine and exocrine gland

Question 2

What is an endocrine gland?

Answer 2

A gland that secretes hormones directly into the blood

Question 3

What is an exocrine gland?

Answer 3

A gland that secretes substances via a duct

Question 4

What is the exocrine function of the pancreas?

Answer 4

To produce pancreatic juice (contains digestive enzymes) - which is delivered to the small intestine as it aids the digestion of food

Question 5

What is the endocrine function of the pancreas?

Answer 5

To produce the hormones insulin and glucagon

Question 6

What are the islets of langerhans?

Answer 6

They produce hormones, so contribute to the endocrine function

Question 7

What are the two cell types within the islets of langerhans?

Answer 7

Alpha cells and beta cells

Question 8

What do alpha cells secrete?

Answer 8

Glucagon

Question 9

What do beta cells secrete?

Answer 9

Insulin

Question 10

How can the histology of the pancreas be examined?

Answer 10

By staining sections of pancreatic tissue and viewing them under a microscope

Question 11

What is the purpose of differential staining in the pancreas?

Answer 11

As differential staining will show the exocrine tissue and the endocrine tissue (islets of langerhans) in different colours