III.3.B. Role of the pancreas

The pancreas has an important role in the synthesis of hormones and enzymes. The enzymes produced help digestion, and the hormones regulate the uptake and release of Glu between the blood and the tissues.

The islets of Langerhans occupy 1-2% of the pancreas.

The islets contain 50-300 cells, which are of all 4 specific cell types. The B cells are situated in the middle, with the others around them.

Cell types of islets of Langerhans:

            A         Glucagon                                20-25%

            B         Insulin                                     60-75%

            D         Somatostatin                           10%

            F          Pancreatic polypeptide (PP)      1-2 %