Question

Name two hormones secreted by pancreas. Write one function of each.

Answer 1

Hint: An organ found in the abdomen is the pancreas. In transforming the food we eat into fuel for the cells of the body, it plays an important role.

Complete Answer:
The pancreas has two primary functions: an exocrine function that assists in digestion and an endocrine function that manages blood sugar. In the upper left abdomen, the pancreas is situated behind the stomach. Other organs are surrounded by it, like the small intestine, liver and spleen. It is spongy, about six to ten inches long, and has the appearance of a flat pear or a fish extending across the abdomen horizontally.

Two major functions are carried out by the pancreas:
- It produces digestive juices, which are composed of potent enzymes. These are released into the small intestine to break down and digest food after meals.
- It produces hormones that regulate levels of blood glucose.

(I) In its 'endocrine' cells, the pancreas releases hormones. These cells are collected in clusters known as Langerhans islets and monitor what is going on in the blood. They can then, when needed, release hormones directly into the blood. In particular, they sense the rise in blood sugar (glucose) levels and the cells produce hormones, especially insulin, as soon as this happens.
(II) Insulin then helps the body lower the levels of blood glucose and store the sugar in fat , muscle, liver and other tissues of the body where it can be used for energy when appropriate.
- Insulin is the most essential hormone that the pancreas creates. In response to food, insulin is released by the 'beta cells' in the islets of Langerhans. Its function is to lower bloodstream glucose levels and promote glucose storage in fat , muscle, liver, and other tissues of the body.
- 'Alpha cells' contain another significant hormone, glucagon, in the islets of Langerhans. This has the opposite effect to insulin, by helping to release energy from where it is stored into the bloodstream, thereby increasing the levels of blood sugar. Glucagon and insulin, therefore, work in tandem to regulate the bloodstream glucose balance.
- Pancreatic polypeptide and somatostatin include other hormones released by the pancreas. They are thought to play a role in the regulation and fine-tuning of the cells producing insulin and glucagon.

Note: This causes diabetes mellitus if the cells that produce insulin either stop functioning entirely, or become inefficient and do not make enough insulin. When the body's immune system attacks its own cells in the islets of Langerhans, type 1 diabetes mellitus is triggered, meaning that insulin can not be released by these cells. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition in which the body can no longer manufacture insulin or respond to it.