Introduction

Human Physiology

Lesson 38 : Pancreas & Parathyroid

Introduction

Pancreas is situated in the loop of duodenum, closely related to stomach and spleen in abdominal cavity. It is a dual gland secreting digestive enzymes through its exocrine portion and hormones through endocrine portion. Endocrine cells are grouped as islets of Langerhans located in the interstitial space around pancreatic acini (exocrine). There are about one million clusters of islets in pancreas. Islets cells are of four kinds producing four different hormones.

Cell Type

Hormone

% Cell population

Alpha cells

Glucagon

25%

Beta cells

Insulin

60-80%

Delta cells

Somatostatin

2-5%

Theta cells

Pancreatic polypeptide

< 2%

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Last modified: Tuesday, 10 April 2012, 1:00 PM