The regulation of blood glucose

The regulation of blood glucose.

Key Terms:

pancreatic duct: a tube that collects all the secretions from the exocrine cells in the pancreas and carries the fluid to the small intestine 

The islets of Langerhans: small patches of tissue in the pancreas that have an endocrine function

alpha and beta cells found in the islets of Langerhans. alpha cells screte the hormone glucagon, beta cells secrete the hormone insulin

Insulin: the hormone released from the pancreas that causes blood glucose levels to go down

Glucagon: is the hormone that causes blod glucose levels to rise.

hepatocytes: liver cells tht a specialised to perform a range of metabolic functions.

The pancreas

the pancreas is a small organ lying below the stomach. It is unusual because it has both endocrine and exocrine functions.

secretion of enzymes:The majority of cells in the pancreas manufacture and release digestive enzymes, this is the exocrine function of the pancreas.

The cells are found in small groups surrounding tiny tubules that they secrete digestive enzymes. Tubules join to make pancreatic duct, which carries fluid containing enzymes into the first part of the small intestine. The fluid contains the following enzymes:

• amylase - a carbohydrase
• trypsinogen - an inactive protease
• lipase.

the fluid also contains sodium hydrogencarbonate, which makes it alkaline - helps to…