14.2 structure and function of the Pancreas

The two functions of the pancreas

Exocrine and endocrine gland

Exocrine meaning

Product is secreted into a duct

Exocrine examples

Saliva and sweat

Endocrine meaning

Hormones are secreted directly into the bloodstream

Types of glands

Mammary, sebaceous, gastric

Pancreas exocrine system

Pancreatic acini produce digestive enzymes a which are then released into pancreatic ducts that lead to the small intestine.

What are digestive enzymes

Amylases, proteases and lipases

Pancreas endocrine system

Alpha cells produce glucagon and Beta cells produce insulin in the Islets of Langerhans, which have capillaries nearby to release into the bloodstream to find the target cells

How are blood glucose levels controlled by the Islets of Langerhans?

Negative feedback

How is differential staining used for the pancreas

Used to stain specific cels like alpha and beta cells in the islets of langerhans, using different stains, specialised for insulin or glucagon.