Pancreas

• Pancreas: Exocrine Function


  Acinar cells: Produce digestive enzymes.

  • Enzymes:
  • Amylase: Breaks down carbohydrates.
  • Lipase: Breaks down fats.
  • Proteases (e.g., trypsin, chymotrypsin): Break down proteins.
• Pancreas: Endocrine Function


  Islets of Langerhans: Clusters of hormone-secreting cells.

  • Alpha cells: Secrete glucagon (raises blood sugar).
  • Beta cells: Secrete insulin (lowers blood sugar).
  • Delta cells: Secrete somatostatin (inhibits both insulin and glucagon).