Chapter 20.5, Problem 1LO

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

The endocrine and the exocrine functionalities of the pancreas.

Introduction:

The pancreas is an organ located in the upper part of the abdomen, surrounded by the small intestine, liver, and the spleen, behind the stomach. It is at the junction where the stomach meets the small intestine. The organ is spongy, flat pear-shaped and around 6 – 10 inches long, consisting of a head, neck, and a tail. At the junction, the stomach releases the partially digested food and the pancreas release the digestive enzymes.

It functions in converting the food into energy for the body to function. Around 95% consists of exocrine tissues that produce digestive juices aiding in digestion. The remaining tissue termed as Islets of Langerhans functions as the endocrine to regulate the blood sugar level. The Islets of Langerhans are a group of cells and resemble the shape of grapes. The pancreatic juices are produced in correct proportions to aid in digesting the food.