The endocrine Pancreas plays a major role in glucose homeostasis. The pancreas is positioned horizontally along the posterior abdominal wall, behind the stomach. The Pancreas is made up of two functionally different tissues; the exocrine pancreas, the major digestive gland of the body and the endocrine pancreas, the source of hormones (insulin, glucagon, and others). The endocrine function of the pancreas is performed by clusters of cells called the islets of Langerhans and they represent only 2% of the total size of the pancreas.
Questions? (Click "comments" and type your answers)
- Where is the pancrease located?
- Describe the function of the pancrease?
- Name the hormone that constitute the endocrine pancrease?
References:
- Learn. Genetics. Genetic Learning Science Center. (2011).Retrieved July 5, 2011, from http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/cells/badcom/
- MyDr. Pancrease and insuline. (2003). Retrieved July 4, 2011, from http://www.mydr.com.au/gastrointestinal-health/pancreas-and-insulin
1- The pancreas is located on the left side opposite to the liver but a bit lower.
ReplyDelete1. The pancreas is located behind the stomach along the dorsal abdominal wall.
ReplyDelete2. The Pancreas
ReplyDeleteCompletes the job of breaking down protein, carbohydrates, and fats using digestive juices of pancreas combined with juices from the intestines.
Secretes hormones that affect the level of sugar in the blood.
Produces chemicals that neutralize stomach acids that pass from the stomach into the small intestine by using substances in pancreatic juice.
Contains Islets of Langerhans, which are tiny groups of specialized cells that are scattered throughout the organ.
These cells secrete:
Glucagon—raises the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood
Insulin—stimulates cells to use glucose
Somatostatin—may regulate the secretion of glucagons and insulin.
3- Lagerhans are the type of hormones that constitute the endocrine pancreas.
ReplyDelete