Identify the components of pancreatic secretions, the cells from which each component arise, and the function of each component. Identify the basic constituents that provide the digestive and protective functions of pancreatic secretions. Contrast the organization and regulation of secretion from the pancreas to that of the salivary glands. The structure of the exocrine portion of the pancreas is very similar to that of the salivary glands though more extensive. Digestive enzymes are produced in acinar cells and ductal cells modify the initial filtrate.
Lobules consist of groups of acini forming grape-like structures.
An extensive expanding ductal system collects secretions from the lobules and carries it to common pancreatic ducts. Prior to reaching the upper duodenum, the common pancreatic duct join with the common bile duct then empties into the duodenum at the sphincter of Oddi. Bicarbonate or aqueous component - functions to neutralize stomach acid. The proteolytic enzymes of the pancreas are synthesized in an inactive form - trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen, procarboxypeptidase. These enzymes are activated in the intestine by enterokinase which is secreted by the intestinal mucosa.