endocrine pancreas

endocrine pancreas

The part of the pancreas that is part of the endocrine system and is made up of islet cells, which produce insulin, glucagon and somatostatin.

Type Gland
Body System Endocrine
Latin Name endocrine pancreas
FMA ID 16018

Frequently Asked Questions

What cells make up the endocrine pancreas?
The endocrine pancreas consists of the islets of Langerhans, containing alpha cells (glucagon), beta cells (insulin), delta cells (somatostatin), PP cells (pancreatic polypeptide), and epsilon cells (ghrelin). These cells form compact clusters scattered throughout the exocrine pancreatic tissue.
How does the endocrine pancreas regulate blood glucose?
When blood glucose rises, beta cells secrete insulin to promote cellular glucose uptake and glycogen storage. When blood glucose falls, alpha cells secrete glucagon to stimulate glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis in the liver, maintaining glucose homeostasis.
What is the blood supply of the endocrine pancreas?
The islets of Langerhans are highly vascularized relative to their size, receiving about 5-10 times the blood flow of the surrounding exocrine pancreas per unit mass. This rich blood supply allows rapid hormone secretion in response to changing blood glucose concentrations.

Related Structures

adrenal cortex adrenal gland cortex Adrenal gland Glandula suprarenalis adrenal gland capsule adrenal capsule adrenal/interrenal gland adrenal - interrenal gland adrenal medulla adrenal central medulla adrenal tissue adrenal gland tissue biliary ductule bile capillary capillary network of liver capillary plexus of liver

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Educational Disclaimer

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Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.