What does it mean to say that the pancreas is both an endocrine and an exocrine organ?


The pancreas contains both exocrine and endocrine cells. Cells of the endocrine pancreas form clusters called pancreatic islets (islets of Langerhans) and the exocrine cells cluster in structures called pancreatic acini. The endocrine cells secrete at their basal surfaces into the interstitial space, exactly opposite to the exocrine gland cells, which secrete fluid and digestive enzymes out of their apical surfaces into tiny ducts. The pancreatic islets secrete the hormones glucagon, insulin, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide, which diffuse into nearby capillaries and then reach cells throughout the body via the circulation. The pancreatic exocrine secretions enter the intestine during digestion and play a key role in both protecting the epithelium and dissolving food particles into their constituent building blocks.

Anatomy & Physiology

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Which type of analysis involves identifying, analyzing and answering a question of interest?

A. quantitative B. qualitative C. both A & B D. none of the above

Anatomy & Physiology

The anatomic features of the respiratory membrane that make alveolar gas exchange so efficient are

A. its hearty thickness and the presence of oxygen transport pumps. B. the high degree of moisture and the large ratio of volume to surface area. C. its thinness, high water content, and scarcity of capillaries. D. its large surface area and minimal thickness.

Anatomy & Physiology

Trace the flow of a water molecule through the nephrons from the afferent arteriole to the minor calyx

What will be an ideal response

Anatomy & Physiology

The hormone(s) that may be slowly administered by intravenous drip to accelerate labor and delivery is/are

A) oxytocin.
B) prolactin.
C) luteinizing hormone.
D) oxytocin and luteinizing hormone.

Anatomy & Physiology