The Pancreas:
Your Insulin
Factory
Exocrine tissue
Pancreatic duct
Pancreatic
Islets
Alpha cells
(A-cells)
Beta cells
(B-cells)
Duodenum
Pancreatic
Duct
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95% of the pancreas is made
up of exocrine tissue, which makes specialized enzymes that help the body digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
The first part of the
small intestine
A passageway from the
pancreas to the intestine; here, digestive enzymes are released
into the duodenum
A type of islet cell, they make a hormone called glucagon, which stimulates the liver to release sugar into the bloodstream and prompts fat cells to release fatty acids
Another type of islet cell, they
produce insulin, which regulates
the body’s metabolism and lowers blood sugar levels
Hover over the + to
learn more.
Pancreas
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The organ that
produces insulin
Duodenum
Pancreatic duct
A-cells
B-cells
Pancreas
Exocrine tissue
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