Mammal, pancreas (LM, Medium)

Structure List Intercalated duct Exocrine acini Endocrine islet cells

PANCREAS. Every vertebrate has a pancreas. In some fishes, however, the pancreatic tissue is embedded in the fat of the mesentery and is not visible. The EXOCRINE PANCREAS contains many secretory (acinar) units. The ACINAR CELLS comprising the acini secrete enzymes which are conveyed to the duodenum for digestion of the chyme. The acini drain into ducts. The epithelial cells of the ducts are continuous with small centriacinar cells which line the acini. The endocrine cells release the hormones insulin or glucagon.