Anatomy, Histology, and Function of the Pancreas

The pancreas is transversely located in the upper retroperitoneal cavity and borders the stomach, duodenum, colon, spleen, and several vital vessels. It connects to the biLiary system and the duodenum through the ampulla of Vater. The pancreas has both exocrine and endocrine function. The exocrine portion is composed of acinar cells and the pancreatic duct system and is responsible for producing and deLivering several key digestive enzymes to the duodenum, where the enzymes digest ingested food and help absorption by the small intestinal mucosa. The endocrine pancreas contains milLions of islets of Langerhans dispersed throughout the entire pancreas. The islets of Langerhans are composed of four main endocrine cell types: α-cells secreting glucagon, ß-cells producing insuLin, δ-cells releasing somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) cells producing PP. These hormones, especially glucagon and insuLin, play an essential role in maintaining glucose hemostasis.

Duke Scholars

Author Chanjuan Shi Pathology