ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Pancreas

Pancreas, conglomerate gland lying transversely across the posterior wall of the
abdomen. It varies in length from 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) and has a breadth of about 3.8
cm (about 1.5 in) and a thickness of from 1.3 to 2.5 cm (0.5 to 1 in). Its usual weight is
about 85 gm (about 3 oz), and its head lies in the concavity of the duodenum.

The pancreas has both a digestive and a hormonal function. Composed mainly of
exocrine tissue, it secretes enzymes into the small intestine, where they help break down
fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Pockets of endocrine cells called the islets of
Langerhans produce glucagon and insulin, hormones that regulate blood-sugar level.

The pancreas has both an exocrine and an endocrine secretion. The exocrine
secretion is made up of a number of enzymes that are discharged into the intestine to aid
in digestion. The endocrine secretion, insulin, is important in the metabolism of sugar in
the body (see Sugar Metabolism). Insulin is produced in small groups of especially
modified glandular cells in the pancreas; these cell groups are known as the islets of

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Langerhans. The failure of these cells to secrete sufficient amounts of insulin causes
diabetes

Pancreas
Secreted hormone From cells Effect
Intake of glucose, glycogenesis and
glycolysis in liver and muscle from blood
Insulin (Primarily) β Islet cells
intake of lipids and synthesis of triglycerides
in adipocytes Other anabolic effects
Glucagon (Also glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in liver
α Islet cells
Primarily) increases blood glucose level
Inhibit release of insulin[6]
Somatostatin δ Islet cells Inhibit release of glucagon[6] Suppress the
exocrine secretory action of pancreas.
Pancreatic
PP cells Unknown
polypeptide

This light micrograph of a section of the human pancreas shows one of the islets
of Langerhans, center, a group of modified glandular cells. These cells secrete insulin, a
hormone that helps the body metabolize sugars, fats, and starches. The blue and white

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lines in the islets of Langerhans are blood vessels that carry the insulin to the rest of the
body. Insulin deficiency causes diabetes mellitus

Adrenal glands
Adrenal cortex
Secreted hormone From cells Effect
Stimulates gluconeogenesis
Stimulates fat breakdown in adipose tissue
Inhibits protein synthesis
Inhibits glucose uptake in muscle and
Glucocorticoids zona fasciculata and
adipose tissue
(chiefly cortisol) zona reticularis cells
Inhibits immunological responses
(immunosuppressive)
Inhibits inflammatory responses (anti-
inflammatory)
Stimulates active sodium reabsorption in
kidneys
Stimulates passive water reabsorption in
Mineralocorticoids Zona glomerulosa
kidneys, thus increasing blood volume and
(chiefly aldosterone) cells
blood pressure
Stimulates potassium and H+ secretion into
nephron of kidney and subsequent excretion
In males: Relatively small effect compared
Androgens
Zona fasciculata and to androgens from testes
(including DHEA
Zona reticularis cells In females: masculinizing effects (ie.
and testosterone)
excessive facial hair)

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