Question

Explain heterocrine nature of the pancreas with the help of histological structure.

Answer 1

1. The pancreas is a leaf-shaped heterocrine gland present in the gap formed by a bend of the duodenum under the stomach.
2. The exocrine part of the pancreas is made up of acini, the acinar cells secrete alkaline pancreatic juice that contains various digestive enzymes.
3. Pancreatic juice is collected and carried to the duodenum by the pancreatic duct.
4. The common bile duct joins the pancreatic duct to form the hepato-pancreatic duct. It opens into the duodenum.
5. The opening of the hepato-pancreatic duct is guarded by the sphincter of Oddi.
6. The endocrine part of the pancreas is made up of islets of Langerhans situated between the acini.
7. It contains three types of cells α-cells which secrete glucagon, β-cells which secret insulin and δ cells secrete somatostatin hormone.
8. Glucagon and insulin together control the blood sugar level.
9. Somatostatin hormone inhibits glucagon and insulin secretion.