Chunk 10: Pancreas and Blood Sugar Chunk 11: Pineal Gland and Melatonin

Where is the pancreas located?

In the abdomen near the duodenum.

What are the two functions of the pancreas?

Endocrine and exocrine.

What is the endocrine function of the pancreas?

Produces and releases hormones into the bloodstream.

What is the exocrine function of the pancreas?

Produces digestive enzymes.

What is another name for pancreatic islets?

Islets of Langerhans.

What are the four endocrine cell types in the pancreas?

Alpha, beta, delta, and F cells.

What hormone do alpha cells produce?

Glucagon.

What hormone do beta cells produce?

Insulin.

What hormone do delta cells produce?

Somatostatin.

What hormone do F cells produce?

Pancreatic polypeptide (PP).

What is the main function of glucagon?

Increases blood glucose.

What is the main function of insulin?

Decreases blood glucose.

What organ does glucagon stimulate?

Liver.

What does glucagon stimulate the liver to do?

Convert stored glycogen into glucose.

What three nutrient types does insulin help cells absorb?

Glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids.

What is the main function of somatostatin?

Inhibits insulin and glucagon secretion.

What else does somatostatin slow down?

Nutrient absorption and digestive enzyme secretion.

What does pancreatic polypeptide help regulate?

Pancreatic enzyme secretion, gallbladder contractions, and nutrient absorption.

What is the abbreviation for pancreatic polypeptide?

PP.

Which pancreatic hormone helps raise low blood sugar?

Glucagon.

Which pancreatic hormone helps lower high blood sugar?

Insulin.

Where is the pineal gland located?

In the brain near the back of the cerebrum, just in front of the cerebellum.

What is another name for the pineal gland?

Pineal body.

What special cells are found in the pineal gland?

Pinealocytes.

What hormone do pinealocytes produce?

Melatonin.

What substance is melatonin made from?

Serotonin.

What is the main function of melatonin?

Helps regulate circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles.

What is a circadian rhythm?

The body's approximately 24-hour biological clock.

How can melatonin affect animal reproduction?

It may help regulate seasonal estrus cycles.

What additional functions of melatonin are listed in the endocrine chart?

Inhibits gonadotropes and has antioxidant activity.