Pharmacology and the Nursing Process, 8e
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process, 8e
8th Edition
ISBN: 9780323358286
Author: Linda Lane Lilley PhD RN, Shelly Rainforth Collins PharmD, Julie S. Snyder MSN RN-BC
Publisher: Elsevier Science
Question
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Chapter 32, Problem 1O
Summary Introduction

To discuss:

The normal functions of the pancreas.

Concept introduction:

The pancreas is an elongated, large organ that is located in adjusting to the stomach. It has both endocrine and exocrine glands. The endocrine functions of the pancreas are used to regulate the metabolism and exocrine functions of the pancreas are involved in the digestive system. The endocrine gland is a ductless gland in which hormone is produced in one organ and it acts in another organ. The exocrine gland has a duct to transfer hormones to the target organs.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Explanation of Solution

The functions of the pancreas:

Pancreas role as a dual function in the regulation of metabolism and digestive system. The endocrine function is control by the two hormones such as insulin and glucagon are produced by the pancreas. Both hormones play an important role in the carbohydrate metabolism. These two hormones are needed to maintain the normal blood glucose level.

Insulin is an endocrine hormone that decreases the blood glucose level that is produced in the beta cells of Langerhans.

  • Insulin stimulates the uptake of glucose to the body cells to provide energy.
  • It stimulates lipogenesis and inhibits the lipolysis in adipose tissues.
  • It stimulates the protein synthesis.
  • The intracellular shift of magnesium and potassium is promoted into the cells, so that insulin decreases these electrolytes concentration in the blood.
  • Insulin is important in transferring glucose to glucose-6-phosphate, it favors the glycogen synthesis. Hence, the blood glucose level is maintained as normal.

Glucagon

  • Glucagon plays a main role in increasing blood glucose concentration by inhibiting the action of insulin. Glucagon is produced in alpha cells of Langerhans.
  • Glycogen is converted into glucose by glucagon when blood glucose concentration is below than normal in the blood.
  • Glucagon has fewer effects on the muscle glycogen and triglycerides (present in adipose tissues).

The main role of glucagon is on the liver glycogen, in the process of glycogenolysis.

The endocrine function in the pancreas is done by insulin and glucagon to maintain the normal blood glucose concentration. The digestive enzymes such as proteases, amylase, and pancreatic lipase are also produced in the pancreas to do exocrine functions in the human body.

Conclusion

The endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas help to regulate the metabolic and digestive functions.

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