Pancreas (differential stain)

Tissue : Glandular ET

easy to pick out Islets of Langerhans versus acinar cells

Function in two different systems:

Endocrine

Islets of Langerhans: endocrine system cells

Alpha cells: secrete glucagon in response to low blood sugar.

Glucagon stimulate hydrolysis of glycogen (glycogenolysis). Also stimulates hydrolysis of fat (lipolysis) when glycogen stores are low.

Ex: fasting or prolonged exercise

Digestive: an exocrine system

Pancreatic acinar cells produce pancreatic enzymes.

Enzymes travel through pancreatic duct to duodenum of small intestine

Review: Histology (Tissues)