Pancreas Flashcards
(73 cards)
What is the most common type of ectopic pancreatic tissue?
Ectopic pancreatic tissue in the GI system
It can develop pancreatitis.
What is an annular pancreas?
A condition where the head encircles the duodenum
More common in males and associated with partial atresia.
What characterizes fibrocystic disease?
Hereditary condition with small cysts
It is also known as cystic fibrosis of the pancreas.
What are congenital cysts?
Usually multiple and result from abnormal development of the pancreatic duct
They are distinct from fibrocystic disease.
What is agenesis in relation to the pancreas?
Absence of the body and tail of the pancreas.
What is the primary function of the endocrine pancreas?
Hormonal regulation
It is performed by the islets of Langerhans.
What do islet cells produce?
Insulin
Islet cells include alpha, beta, and delta cells.
What does alpha cell produce?
Glucagon.
What is the most prevalent endocrine hormone produced by the pancreas?
Insulin.
What is the function of delta cells in the pancreas?
Produce somatostatin; inhibit alpha and beta cells.
What is the primary function of the exocrine pancreas?
Digestive functions.
What do acini cells produce?
Pancreatic juices
Approximately 2 liters per day.
What triggers the secretion of pancreatic juices?
Ingestion of food.
What is the role of lipase in pancreatic juice?
Breaks down fats.
What does amylase do?
Breaks down complex carbohydrates to sugar.
Which enzymes are involved in protein digestion?
Trypsin, chymotrypsinogen, carboxypeptidase.
What is the function of sodium bicarbonate in pancreatic juice?
Neutralizes gastric acid.
List the enzymes found in pancreatic juice.
- Lipase
- Amylase
- Trypsin
- Chymotrypsinogen
- Carboxypeptidase
- Nucleases
What is the primary duct of the pancreas called?
Duct of Wirsung
It enters the medial second part of the duodenum with the CBD at Vater’s ampulla.
What is Santorini’s duct?
A secondary duct that drains the upper anterior head of the pancreas
It enters the duodenum 2 cm proximal to the ampulla of Vater.
What is the typical length of the pancreatic duct?
12 to 18 cm
The head measures 2-3 cm, the body 2-2.5 cm, and the tail 1-2 cm.
What are the main arteries supplying the pancreas?
- SA (Splenic Artery)
- Pancreaticoduodenal arteries (branch of GDA)
- Tributaries of SV (Splenic Vein) and SMV (Superior Mesenteric Vein)
Which enzyme increases in pancreatitis within the first 24 hours?
Amylase
Serum levels rise 3-6 hours after onset and remain elevated in urine for up to 7 days.
What is the role of lipase in relation to the pancreas?
Assesses damage to the pancreas and remains elevated in pancreatitis and cancer
It rises later and can stay elevated for up to 14 days.