Pancreas

Question 1

What is the exocrine function of the pancreas?

Answer 1

• the secretion of pancreatic juice
• which flows along the pancreatic duct into the duodenum
• where it helps in chemical digestion

Question 2

What is unusual about the pancreas?

Answer 2

• it functions as both an exocrine gland and an endocrine gland

Question 3

What is the endocrine function of the pancreas?

Answer 3

• the secretion of hormones by groups of cells called islets of Langerhans
• these are scattered throughout the pancreas
• the hormones they secrete pass directly into the bloody

Question 4

What are the two types of cells in the islets of Langerhans and what do they secrete?

Answer 4

• alpha cells which secrete glucagon
• beta cells which secrete insulin

Question 5

What is the function of insulin?

Answer 5

• lowers blood sugar levels

Question 6

What is the function of glucagon?

Answer 6

• raises blood sugar levels