Question

Mention the name of the endocrine part of the pancreas.

Answer 1

The pancreas is an organ of the digestive system that has dual functions i.e., exocrine as well as endocrine functions. The endocrine function of the pancreas involves the release of hormones i.e., insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream to maintain the blood sugar level.

Complete answer:
The endocrine portion of the pancreas is involved in the role of producing and releasing hormones that
maintain the blood sugar level. This endocrine portion of the pancreas is called islet cells or islets of Langerhans.
The pancreas is an organ that is located in the upper left abdomen behind the stomach. Other organs,
including the small intestine, liver, and spleen, surround it. The pancreas is a mixed gland serving the purpose of both exocrine and endocrine glands. Its exocrine part is meant for producing enzymes such
as trypsin and chymotrypsin, amylase, and lipase that are essential for digesting the proteins, starch, and
fats present in the food. This endocrine part of the pancreas was discovered by Paul Langerhans in 1869
and hence, it is called islets of Langerhans or pancreatic islets. These islets of Langerhans consist of five
types of cells-$\alpha$ cells, $\beta$ cells, $\delta$ cells, $\varepsilon$ cells, and $\gamma$ cells that are meant for producing glucagon, insulin, somatostatin, ghrelin, and pancreatic polypeptide respectively.
The insulin hormone is responsible for lowering the blood sugar level while glucagon is responsible for
raising the blood sugar level. Somatostatin is responsible for inhibiting the secretions of glucagon and
insulin. Ghrelin is a hormone that stimulates appetite, growth hormone and increases fat storage.
Pancreatic polypeptide hormone is responsible for inhibiting the contraction of the gallbladder and also
the pancreatic exocrine secretions.

Note:
The endocrine portion of the pancreas is named after the pathologist, Dr. Paul Langerhans, who
discovered this portion in 1869, and hence, the name of this part is islets of Langerhans which is meant for producing different hormones that are responsible for specific functions.