Islets of Langerhans
Lesson Flashcards: The Pancreas Biology
Clusters of specialized cells within the pancreas that are responsible for producing hormones, such as insulin and glucagon
Diabetes
A disease in which the body’s ability to produce or respond to the insulin hormone is impaired, resulting in elevated levels of glucose in the blood
Acinus (plural: acini)
The structure formed by exocrine cells of the pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes and pancreatic juice into a duct branching to the main pancreatic duct
Exocrine gland
A gland consisting of a group of specialized cells that secrete substances such as enzymes via a duct
Insulin
A hormone released from the beta cells of the pancreas that functions to lower the blood glucose concentration
Endocrine gland
A type of gland consisting of a group of specialized cells that secrete hormones directly into the blood
Beta cells of pancreas
Cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin to maintain normal blood sugar
Pancreas
An elongated organ located behind the stomach that secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum via a duct and also secretes hormones into the blood
Alpha cells of pancreas
Cells in the pancreas that secrete glucagon to maintain normal blood sugar
Glucagon
A hormone released from the alpha cells of the pancreas to increase the blood glucose concentration