Question

Study the diagram given below and then answer the questions that follow:

1. Name the cells of the pancreas that produce (1) glucagon (2) insulin.
2. State the main function of (1) glucagon and (2) insulin.
3. Why is the pancreas referred to as an exo-endocrine gland?
4. Why is insulin not given orally but is injected into the body?
5. What is the technical term for the cells of the pancreas that produce endocrine hormones?
6. Where in the body is the pancreas located?

Answer 1

1.    
   1. α-cells in the islet of Langerhans produce glucagon.
   2. β-cell in the islet of Langerhans produce insulin
2.     
   1. Glucagon converts glycogen to glucose.
   2. Insulin converts glucose to glycogen.
3. The pancreas is known as an exo-endocrine gland due to its secretory structures (acini) that aid in digestion.
4. Insulin is injected into the bloodstream rather than taken orally to avoid digestion by stomach proteases.
5. Islet of Langerhans
6. The duodenal loop is located below the stomach in the small intestine.