exocrine pancreas

Digestive enzymes - acinar cells (exocrine)
Bicarb + water - epithelial cells

control of pancreatic exocrine secretion

neural

  • ⊕ parasympathetic (via vagus nerve) stimulation
  • ⊖ sympathetic stimulation

hormonal

  • ⊕ secretin - alkaline fluid from ductal cells
  • ⊕ cholecystokinin - enzyme-rich fluid from acinar cells
  • ⊖ somatostatin
  • ⊖ sympathetic stimulation - all pancreatic secretions
Hormone Where released Trigger Stimulation Inhibition Action
Secretin duodenal S cells acid contact with duodenal walls (from acidic chyme) Parasympathetic stim (via vagus nerve) H2 inhibitors
Somatostatin
stimulates the production of bicarbonate and water by the pancreas

stimulates bile production in the liver

inhibits gastric acid production by the parietal cells of the stomach.

digestive enzymes

  • Trypsinogen
    • can be activated by trypsin itself
    • prevented by trypsin inhibitor (↓ secretion in e.g. pancreatitis hence autodigestion)
  • Chymotrypsinogen

from Guyton