Pancreas

An exocrine gland: Hormones involved are Insulin, Glucagon that constantly metabolise glucose; Hormones are
antagonists as they have opposite effects on the blood glucose concentrations.
Secretes enzymes involved in digestion: lipase, amylase, endopeptidase that constitute the pancreatic juice that is
released into the Duodenum through a duct that allows the 3 enzymes to enter the lumen.
Pancreatic cells never stop metabolising glucose; they never stop cell respiration.
Enzyme Substrate Action: What does it hydrolyse?
Lipase Lipids (fats and Lipids) Lipids into glycerol and fatty acids
Amylase Starch Starch into the disaccharide maltose. (Another enzyme then
hydrolyses maltose into glucose)
Trypsin (an Proteins (polypeptides) Long polypeptides into smaller polypeptides. (Further protein-
endopeptidase) digestion enzymes then hydrolyse the smaller polypeptides into
amino acids)
Carbs are chemically digested as glucose, which is absorbed into bloodstream in the capillary beds in the villi, which
increases blood glucose level.
Why do Blood Glucose levels fluctuate? Because blood does not receive constant levels of glucose.
Glucose travels to Hepatic Vein: The Hepatic Vein is the only major blood vessel in the body where blood levels
fluctuate to a large degree. Glucose concentration varies depending upon time of last meal, and glucose content of the
food.
Hepatocytes: Other blood vessels receive blood after it has been processed by the liver. They are activated by pancreatic
hormones (insulin, glucagon)
cells in pancreas: produce insulin that reaches all cells through the bloodstream.
- Insulin opens protein channels in plasma membranes Glucose diffuses through channelsFacilitated diffusion.
Insulin: stimulates hepatocytes to take in the glucose and convert it into glycogen (polysaccharide), which is then stored
as granules in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes.
cells: produce and secrete glucagon which circulates in the bloodstream which stimulates hydrolysis.
After a meal, the pancreas release hormones that reduce appetite. This hormonal imbalance can lead to eating disorders.
Diabetes: Characterized by hyperglycaemia; there is a decrease in facilitated diffusion therefore the body is unable
to lower glucose level of the blood.
- Type 1: Typically caused when cells do not produce sufficient insulin; controlled by insulin injections
at appropriate times.
Is an autoimmune disease: body's own immune system attacks and destroys the cells so that little or no insulin
is produced.
Prominent in 10% of the diabetic population.
Mostly develops in children or young adults, but can develop in any age group
- Type 2: Caused by body cells that do not respond properly to insulin (insulin resistance) causing decrease in insulin
production; controlled by diet.
Prominent in 90% of diabetics.
Often associated with genetic history, obesity, lack of exercise and advanced age.
Greater prominence in certain ethnic groups (China, India, USA).