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Dylan Han(6) 2-5 Topic Chosen 1: Digestion Topic Chosen 2: Issues on Sex Links and Credits linkone linktwo Layout: hearteditorials Codes: -ambulance Icon: biconcave |
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
E-learning Day 13: 23 July 2008
Research for the topic of the functions of the pancreas will be carried out over 2 days in 2 parts. What is the function of the pancreas in the digestive system? Part 1 The pancreas is an organ located across the abdomen across the stomach. It is an elongated and "fleshy" or homogeneous appearance. The pancreas shares close links to the liver, gallbladder and duodenum as discovered in past studies. It has both exocrine and endocrine tissues that serve to functions. The exocrine tissue secretes pancreatic juice which contains digestive enzymes. They travel along the pancreatic duct, which runs along the pancreas and joins the common bile duct. The endocrine tissue produces several hormones into the bloodstream. These include insulin and somatostatin. The endocrine tissue consists of the islets of Langerhans, which are groups of endocrine cells that provide the hormones. About a million islets are distributed throughout the organ. They form about a 1-2% of the total mass of the pancreas. Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islets_of_Langerhans http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancreas http://www.stjohnsmercy.org/healthinfo/adult/liver/pancreas.asp |