Why is the pancreas part of our body?

Answer 1

The part of the pancreas with endocrine function is made up of approximately a million cell clusters called islets of Langerhans. There are four main cell types in the islets. They are relatively difficult to distinguish using standard staining techniques, but they can be classified by their secretion: α cells secrete glucagon, β cells secrete insulin, δ cells secrete somatostatin, and PP cells secrete pancreatic polypeptide.

The islets are a compact collection of endocrine cells arranged in clusters and cords and are crisscrossed by a dense network of capillaries. The capillaries of the islets are lined by layers of endocrine cells in direct contact with vessels, and most endocrine cells are in direct contact with blood vessels, by either cytoplasmic processes or by direct apposition. According to the volume The Body, by Alan E. Nourse, the islets are "busily manufacturing their hormone and generally disregarding the pancreatic cells all around them, as though they were located in some completely different part of the body."

Answer 2

The pancreas is a vital glandular organ which is part of both the endocrine and digestive systems.

The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes such as proteolytic enzymes which are responsible for the digestion of proteins, lipases which digest fat and amylases which digest dietary carbohydrates.

In addition to the proteases, lipase and amylase, the pancreas produces a host of other digestive enzymes, including ribonuclease, deoxyribonuclease, gelatinase and elastase.

Besides digestive enzymes, the pancreas is also responsible for the production and secretion of the hormones insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar (thus making it a gland).

Answer 3

You have two parts of the pancreas, endocrine and exocrine. Exocrine part is associated with secretion of pancreatic juice to the small intestine. Endocrine part secretes three hormones. Alpha cells secrete the hormone called as glucagon. Beta cells secrete the well known hormone called as insulin. The delta cells secrete the less known hormone called as somatostatin.

Answer 4

There are more than one endocrine gland in the body. The Pituitary and Thyroid are two examples. These glands determine how much of any hormone at any given time will be secreted into the blood. The hormones regulate everything from growth to the amount of insulin the pancreas excretes.

These glands are almost like the foreman on a construction site, giving direction to all the other organs and telling them what to do and when.

Answer 5

The pancreas is composed of both exocrine and endocrine tissue. It is part of the endocrine system as it secretes digestive enzymes, insulin and glucagon.

Answer 6

Pancreas work as both endocrine and exocrine gland.