PHY-C Endocrine Pancreas Functions Quiz

What is the main focus of the objectives related to the endocrine pancreas?

Which type of cells make up the majority of the mass of the pancreas?

How many cell subtypes are present in the islets of Langerhans in the endocrine pancreas?

What is the function of proenzymes in the exocrine pancreas?

What is the main function of the endocrine cells in the pancreas?

Which part of the pancreas is responsible for the regulation of acid secretion?

How many islets of Langerhans are estimated to be present in the endocrine pancreas?

What is the significance of the 4 cell subtypes (α, β, δ, and PP cells) in the islets of Langerhans?

Which part of the pancreas is responsible for secreting pancreatic juice into the duodenum?

What is the main function of the 4 cell subtypes (α, β, δ, and PP cells) in the islets of Langerhans?

What was the Greek meaning of 'pancreas' as identified by Greek anatomists?

How does the weight of the endocrine pancreas compare to the exocrine pancreas?

Objectives of the Endocrine Pancreas

Aims to regulate blood glucose levels and overall metabolism through hormone secretion.

Cellular Composition of the Pancreas

Majority of the pancreatic mass is composed of exocrine cells.

Islets of Langerhans Cell Subtypes

There are four types of cells within the islets of Langerhans: α, β, δ, and PP cells.

Function of Proenzymes in the Exocrine Pancreas

Proenzymes are inactive precursors that are activated in the gastrointestinal tract to aid in the digestion of nutrients.

Function of Endocrine Cells

Endocrine cells primarily secrete hormones like insulin and glucagon, which are essential for glucose homeostasis.

Regulation of Acid Secretion

The pancreas contains cells responsible for controlling stomach acid secretion, particularly the exocrine component.

Estimated Number of Islets of Langerhans

Approximately one million islets of Langerhans are estimated to be present in the endocrine pancreas.

Significance of Cell Subtypes in Islets

The α cells secrete glucagon, β cells secrete insulin, δ cells release somatostatin, and PP cells produce pancreatic polypeptide, contributing to blood sugar regulation.

Secretion of Pancreatic Juice

The exocrine portion of the pancreas secretes pancreatic juice into the duodenum, aiding in the digestion of food.

Functions of the Islet Cell Subtypes

α cells raise blood sugar by releasing glucagon, β cells lower blood sugar via insulin, δ cells regulate other hormone secretions, and PP cells are involved in appetite regulation.

Greek Origin of 'Pancreas'

The term 'pancreas' translates to "all flesh" in Greek, indicating its solid texture.

Weight Comparison of Endocrine and Exocrine Pancreas

The exocrine pancreas is significantly heavier and accounts for about 95% of the total pancreatic weight, while the endocrine portion is small but crucial for hormone production.

Test your knowledge on the endocrine cells of the pancreas, insulin synthesis and secretion, signaling pathways regulated by insulin, and cellular effects at a molecular level. Designed by Dr. Carla Romo Jaramillo, Dr. William Gopar, and Dr. Mariana Dorbecker Contreras.