Anatomy of the Pancreas:

• Head of the pancreas

• Body of the pancreas

• Tail of the pancreas

• Main pancreatic duct

• Common pancreatic duct

Two types of Pancreatic Glands:

• Exocrine

• Endocrine

The exocrine gland secretes digestive enzymes. These enzymes are secreted into a network of ducts that join the main pancreatic duct, which runs the length of the pancreas. The endocrine gland consists of the Islets of Langerhans, it secretes hormones into the bloodstream.

Exocrine Functions:

• Enzymes secreted in the pancreas help break down carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and acids.

• These enzymes travel down the pancreatic duct into the bile duct in an inactive form.

• When these enzymes reach the duodenum and enter it they are activated.

• The exocrine tissue also secretes a bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid in the duodenum.

Endocrine Functions:

• Hormones secreted by the pancreas are insulin and glucagon (which regulate the level of glucose in the blood).

• Secretes Somatostatin (which regulates and prevents the release of other two hormones).

The Islets of Langerhans are endocrine cell clusters that secrete insulin and glucagon. The pancreas has both digestive and hormonal functions.