The Pancreas The Pancreas Functions of the Pancreas

The Pancreas

The Pancreas

Functions of the Pancreas 1. Exocrine Gland – Digestive System Pancreatic juices released into small intestine for chemical digestion (catabolism). Amylase (pancreatic) - enzyme that digests starch. Lipase - enzyme that digests lipids. Protease - enzyme that digests proteins.

2. Endocrine Gland – Metabolism Regulation The islets of Langerhans (Pancreatic islets) are clusters of endocrine cells in pancreas. -cells site of insulin synthesis. -cells site of glucagon synthesis. D-cells site of somatostatin synthesis. PP-cells site of pancreatic polypeptide synthesis.

Insulin and Glucagon Insulin: peptide hormone made by cells. If blood glucose rises (e. g. after a meal) insulin is released. Insulin causes cells in body to take up glucose (e. g. decreases blood glucose). Also causes liver to synthesize glycogen and other anabolic activities. Glucagon: peptide hormone made by cells. If blood glucose falls (e. g. in between meals) glucagon is released. Also causes fats and proteins to be converted into glucose (gluconeogenisis). Glucagon causes liver to hydrolize glycogen into glucose (e. g. increases blood glucose) and other catabolic activities.

Diabetes Mellitis • Type I – “Juvenile Onset” • Type II – “Adult Onset”