Major Endocrine Glands – Abdominopelvic - 2

Endocrine Glands

PancreasThis organ is found between the inferior

portion of the stomach and a curve of the small intestine.

Has two functions:(1) Exocrine

(2) Endocrine

PancreasExocrine:

The majority of the pancreas contains acini – cluster of glandular cells.

The acini cells release digestive enzymes that travel through secretory ducts to the digestive tract.

PancreasEndocrine:

A small number of cells are known as

pancreatic islets or islets of Langerhans

(LAN-ger-hanz)

Contain 4 types of cells and each secretes a type of hormone.

Alpha CellsThe alpha cells secrete glucagon.

Glucagon increases blood glucose levels by

(1) increasing the breakdown of glycogen and

(2) increasing the release of glucose from the liver.

Alpha Cells

Beta CellsThe beta cells secrete insulin.

Insulin decreases blood glucose levels by

(1) increasing the rate of glucose uptake and utilization by most body cells

(2) increasing glycogen synthesis in skeletal muscles and liver.

Beta Cells

Beta Cells

Delta CellsThe delta cells secrete a

hormone-inhibiting hormone (GH-IH) or somatostatin.

(1) GH-IH suppresses the release of glucagon and insulin and

(2) slows the rate of food absorption and enzyme secretion in the digestive tract.

F CellsThe F cells secrete a

pancreatic polypeptide (PP).

(1) PP inhibits gallbladder contractions and

(2) regulates the production of some enzymes

Pancreatic DisordersHyposecretion of insulin:

EX – Diabetes Mellitus

(1) Genetic abnormalities, injuries, immune disorders, and hormonal inbalances

(2) Mutations resulting in inadequate insulin production

(3) Abnormal insulin molecules are made

(4) Defective protein receptors

Diabetes Mellitus

Two types of DM exist:

(1) Type I (insulin-dependent or juvenile onset)

(2) Type 2 (non-insulin dependent)

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 1Body destroys beta cells – autoimmune disorder

Approximately 10% of individuals are Type 1.

Seen in childhood and adolescence and sometimes referred to as juvenile onset diabetes.

Symptoms: retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, circulatory problems, and early heart attacks

Tx: Insulin injections

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2Body cells do not appropriately respond to

hormones

Beta cells deteriorate and produce less insulin.

Seen in all ages – most common form of disease.

Symptoms: untreated retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, circulatory problems, and early

heart attacks

Tx: Diet, exercise and medicine

Diabetes Mellitus