The pancreas
both exocrine (releasing enzymes) and endocrine (releasing hormones) function
Exocrine function
Exocrine cells are in small groups, called acinus, surrounding tiny tubules and separated by connective tissue
The cells of the acini secrete the enzymes they synthesize into the tubule at the center, which joins with
others to form the pancreatic duct.
The pancreatic duct carries the fluid containing the enzymes into the first part of the small intestine
Enzymes produced:
- pancreatic amylase: digests amylose maltose
- trypsinogen: an inactive protease which is converted to the active from trypsin when it enters the intestine
- lipase: digests lipid fatty acids + glycerol
Pancreatic juice also contains sodium hydrogencarbonate, which makes it alkaline to neutralize the
contents of the digestive system, which have just left the acid environment of the stomach
Endocrine function
Hormones are secreted from the islets of Langerhans
The islets of Langerhans contain β-cells which make
insulin and α-cells which make glucagon
Releasing insulin
both exocrine (releasing enzymes) and endocrine (releasing hormones) function
Exocrine function
Exocrine cells are in small groups, called acinus, surrounding tiny tubules and separated by connective tissue
The cells of the acini secrete the enzymes they synthesize into the tubule at the center, which joins with
others to form the pancreatic duct.
The pancreatic duct carries the fluid containing the enzymes into the first part of the small intestine
Enzymes produced:
- pancreatic amylase: digests amylose maltose
- trypsinogen: an inactive protease which is converted to the active from trypsin when it enters the intestine
- lipase: digests lipid fatty acids + glycerol
Pancreatic juice also contains sodium hydrogencarbonate, which makes it alkaline to neutralize the
contents of the digestive system, which have just left the acid environment of the stomach
Endocrine function
Hormones are secreted from the islets of Langerhans
The islets of Langerhans contain β-cells which make
insulin and α-cells which make glucagon
Releasing insulin
