BRAINCAKEPancreas
The pancreas, located in the upper abdomen behind the stomach, is both an endocrine adn exocrine gland. As an exocrine gland it secretes pancreatic juice - an alkaline fluid containing digestive enzymes - into the pancreatic duct which leads to the small intestine (duodenum). Pancreatic enzymes are amylases, proteases such as trypsin and lipases.
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Key terms in this lesson
- hormone
- A chemical messenger, secreted by an endocrine gland directly into the blood, that travels to target cells bearing complementary receptors and brings about a response.
- glucagon
- A hormone secreted by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans in response to low blood glucose concentration, which raises blood glucose by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver.
- insulin
- A hormone secreted by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in response to a rise in blood glucose concentration, which lowers blood glucose by stimulating cells to take up and use or store glucose.
More in Hormonal Communication
- Hormones
- The Adrenal Glands
- Adrenal Cortex
- Adrenal Medulla
- Blood glucose concentration
- Insulin
- Glucagon
- Mechanism of Insulin Secretion
All 11 lessons in Hormonal Communication · All AQA A-level Biology topics