Digestive Anatomy Lecture 11 - Functional Anatomy of the Pancreas

These flashcards cover the major functions, anatomical features, and cellular composition of the pancreas as discussed in Lecture 11.

What are the two main types of secretions produced by the pancreas?

Endocrine secretions (insulin and glucagon) and exocrine secretions (digestive enzymes, electrolytes, water).

What role do the islets of Langerhans play in the pancreas?

They produce endocrine hormones, mainly insulin and glucagon.

What is the function of the pancreatic acini?

They produce exocrine secretions, including digestive enzymes and electrolytes.

How many types of ducts are associated with the pancreatic primordia?

Two types: the main pancreatic duct (ventral) and the accessory pancreatic duct (dorsal).

What connects the pancreas to the duodenum?

Ducts, specifically the pancreatic duct and accessory pancreatic duct.

What arteries supply blood to the pancreas?

Coeliac and cranial mesenteric arteries.

What types of innervation does the pancreas receive?

Parasympathetic (vagal) and sympathetic fibres.

What are the three types of granular cells in the islets of Langerhans?

Alpha (A) cells - glucagon; Beta (B) cells - insulin; and Delta (D) cells - somatostatin.

What is the approximate number of islets in a pancreas?

About one million islets.

What is contained within the granules of the pyramidal epithelial cells of the acini?

Zymogen granules, which are more common during fasting.