Pancreas Anatomy and Function

Questions and Answers

What are the two main functions of the pancreas?

Exocrine function and endocrine function

Which enzymes are produced by the pancreas to aid in digestion? (Select all that apply)

Amylase (correct)

Lipase

Trypsin (correct)

Chymotrypsin (correct)

Gallstones and alcohol abuse are common causes of acute pancreatitis.

True

What characterizes acute pancreatitis?

Upper abdominal pain and pancreatic enzyme elevations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the exocrine pancreas?

Regulating blood sugar Signup and view all the answers

What is one possible cause of idiopathic pancreatitis?

A cause cannot be identified Signup and view all the answers

Acute pancreatitis is initiated by premature activation of ______ within the pancreas.

trypsinogen Signup and view all the answers

Match the following drugs with their associated effects:

Cimetidine = H2 receptor antagonist Atorvastatin = Hmg-coa reductase inhibitor Ifosfamide = Anti-cancer/chemotherapy Methyldopa = DOC for HTN in pregnant women Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pancreas Function

Located in the abdomen, essential for converting food into fuel for the body's cells.
Exocrine function:
- Converts food into energy.
- Releases digestive enzymes, including trypsin and chymotrypsin (protein digestion) and amylase (carbohydrate digestion).
Endocrine function:
- Regulates blood sugar levels.
- Insulin produced by alpha cells, glucagon produced by beta cells.

Pancreatitis Overview

Acute pancreatitis:
- Inflammatory disorder characterized by upper abdominal pain and elevated pancreatic enzymes.
- Common causes include gallstones and alcohol abuse.
- Associated with conditions like diabetes and autoimmune disorders; can be idiopathic (no identifiable cause).
Chronic pancreatitis:
- Progressive disease with long-term inflammation leading to loss of exocrine and endocrine function.

Drug-Induced Pancreatitis

Well-supported associations:
- Cimetidine, Enalapril, Erythromycin, Furosemide.
Probable associations:
- Acetaminophen, Atorvastatin, Ifosfamide, Methyldopa, Hydrochlorothiazide, Simvastatin, Cisplatin, Oxaliplatin.
Mechanism of action:
- Acute pancreatitis initiated by premature activation of trypsinogen to trypsin, causing autodigestion of pancreas.
- Damaged pancreatic tissue leads to surrounding fat and vascular endothelium necrosis, with lipase damaging fat cells producing inflammatory byproducts.

Key Drug Information

Atorvastatin and Simvastatin: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, used to lower cholesterol.
Cimetidine: H2 receptor antagonist, reduces gastric acid secretion.
Enalapril: ACE inhibitor, used to treat hypertension.
Erythromycin: Macrolide antibiotic, used for bacterial infection treatment.
Furosemide: High ceiling diuretic, acts on renal system.
Hydrochlorothiazide: Thiazide diuretic, acts on distal convoluted tubule.
Cisplatin and Oxaliplatin: Platinum compounds used in chemotherapy.
Methyldopa: Drug of choice for hypertension in pregnant women.
Tamoxifen: Commonly used in breast cancer treatment.
Sulindac: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Description

This quiz explores the anatomy and functions of the pancreas, an essential organ in the digestive system. Learn about its role in converting food into energy and the specific enzymes it produces. Dive into the critical functions that keep our body fueled and healthy.