The Pancreas

Which organ is the pancreas connected to via the common bile duct?

What is the function of the pancreatic islets (islets of Langerhans)?

What percentage of the total pancreas do the pancreatic islets account for?

What is the term used to describe substances being excreted through a duct?

Where is the pancreas located within the abdominal cavity?

What is the shape of the head of the pancreas?

What is the length of the pancreas?

Which hormone is secreted by the Alpha cell and increases blood sugar levels by breaking down glycogen in the liver and stimulating gluconeogenesis?

Which hormone is secreted by the Beta cell and promotes the movement of glucose, proteins, and lipids out of the blood and into tissues, thereby lowering blood sugar levels?

Which hormone is secreted by the Delta cell and primarily regulates other endocrine cells of pancreatic islets by inhibiting the secretion of glucagon, insulin, and pancreatic polypeptide?

Which hormone is secreted by the Pancreatic polypeptide cells and influences gastrointestinal motility and the feelings of hunger and fullness?

Which hormone is secreted by the Epsilon cells and stimulates the hypothalamus to boost appetite?

Which hormone promotes the synthesis of proteins and lipids, increases the cell's metabolism, and is essential for growth and repair?

Which hormone is secreted by the Delta cell and has general body effects, but primarily regulates other endocrine cells of pancreatic islets?

Pancreas Structure and Function

The pancreas is connected to the liver via the common bile duct.
The pancreas is located in the abdominal cavity, behind the stomach.

Pancreatic Islets (Islets of Langerhans)

The pancreatic islets, also known as the islets of Langerhans, account for approximately 1-2% of the total pancreas.
The pancreatic islets are responsible for producing several hormones that regulate various bodily functions.

Hormones Produced by the Pancreas

Glucagon, secreted by the Alpha cells, increases blood sugar levels by breaking down glycogen in the liver and stimulating gluconeogenesis.
Insulin, secreted by the Beta cells, promotes the movement of glucose, proteins, and lipids out of the blood and into tissues, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.
Somatostatin, secreted by the Delta cells, primarily regulates other endocrine cells of pancreatic islets by inhibiting the secretion of glucagon, insulin, and pancreatic polypeptide.
Pancreatic polypeptide, secreted by the Pancreatic polypeptide cells, influences gastrointestinal motility and the feelings of hunger and fullness.
Ghrelin, secreted by the Epsilon cells, stimulates the hypothalamus to boost appetite.
Insulin promotes the synthesis of proteins and lipids, increases the cell's metabolism, and is essential for growth and repair.

General Terms

The term "exocrine" is used to describe substances being excreted through a duct.

Pancreas Shape and Size

The head of the pancreas is shaped like a hook.
The pancreas is approximately 6 inches (15 cm) long.

Test your knowledge about the anatomy and function of the pancreas with this informative quiz. Explore its position, connections, and role in digestion.