The relationship between pancreas and pancreatic islets

The pancreas is an important digestive organ in the human gastrointestinal system. If there is a problem with the pancreas, it will affect the overall digestive system and even pose a serious threat to the patient's life. At the same time, the pancreas also secretes many hormones and substances to promote digestion in the human gastrointestinal system. Among them, pancreatic islets are important substances secreted from the pancreas. The following article will explain in detail the relationship between the pancreas and pancreatic islets.

1. What is the relationship between the pancreas and pancreatic islets?

Pancreatic islets refer to some special cell clusters in the pancreas that can secrete insulin. The pancreas is behind the stomach. Its main components are the exocrine tissue that secretes pancreatic juice and other digestive juices, while the pancreatic islets are scattered clusters within the pancreas. There are approximately 1 to 2 million islets, which are the endocrine tissue of the pancreas. Each pancreatic islet contains at least 4 types of cells: A cells secrete glucagon, B cells secrete insulin, D cells secrete growth hormone and inhibitory hormone, and PP cells secrete pancreatic polypeptide. Various cells secrete different hormones, which regulate each other and jointly maintain blood sugar stability. B cells have the largest content in the pancreatic islets and secrete the largest amount of hormones, so secreting insulin is the most important function of the pancreatic islets. Glucagon secreted by A cells can not only quickly and directly increase blood sugar, but also stimulate the secretion of insulin, and also plays an important role in the regulation of blood sugar.

2. What is the pancreas?

The pancreas is divided into two parts: the exocrine gland and the endocrine gland. The exocrine glands are composed of alveoli and ducts. The alveoli secrete pancreatic juice, and the ducts are the channels for the discharge of pancreatic juice. Pancreatic juice contains sodium bicarbonate, trypsinogen, lipase, amylase, etc. Pancreatic juice is discharged into the duodenum through the pancreatic duct, and has the function of digesting proteins, fats and sugars. The endocrine glands are composed of cell clusters of different sizes - pancreatic islets. Pancreatic islets are mainly composed of four types of cells: A cells, B cells, D cells, and PP cells. A cells secrete glucagon to increase blood sugar; B cells secrete insulin to lower blood sugar; D cells secrete somatostatin to inhibit the secretion of A and B cells in a paracrine manner; PP cells secrete pancreatic polypeptide to inhibit gastrointestinal motility, pancreatic juice secretion and gallbladder contraction.

3. What are pancreatic islets?

Pancreatic islets (langerhans) are the endocrine part of the pancreas. They are cell clusters of varying sizes and shapes scattered throughout the pancreas and can control carbohydrate metabolism. If insulin secretion is insufficient, diabetes will occur.

The main function of pancreatic islets

Glucagon is a hormone that promotes metabolism, in contrast to insulin. Glucagon has a strong effect in promoting glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, which significantly increases blood sugar. 1 mol/L of the hormone can quickly break down 3×106 mol/L of glucose from glycogen.

Glucagon activates the phosphorylase of liver cells through the cAMP-PK system, accelerating the decomposition of glycogen. Gluconeogenesis is enhanced because hormones accelerate the entry of amino acids into liver cells and activate enzyme systems related to the gluconeogenesis process. Glucagon can also activate lipase and promote fat decomposition, while at the same time enhancing fatty acid oxidation and increasing ketone body production. The target organ for glucagon to produce the above metabolic effects is the liver. These effects disappear if the liver is removed or the blood flow to the liver is blocked. In addition, glucagon can promote the secretion of insulin and somatostatin. Pharmacological doses of glucagon can increase the cAMP content in myocardial cells and enhance myocardial contraction.

Ways to improve pancreatic function

1. Abdominal breathing method: Sit on the edge of a stool, with the height level with your thighs, legs parallel to the ground, hands on your thighs, chest in and back straight, head and neck straight, lower jaw slightly retracted, upper and lower teeth lightly opposite, tongue against the upper palate, eyes slightly closed, and a smile on your face.

2. Reverse abdominal breathing method: Lie on your back on the bed, with your head flat, tongue on the roof of your mouth, eyes slightly closed, smile, and relax your whole body. Reverse abdominal breathing is mainly based on diaphragm movement, and the upper and lower diameters of the thorax increase during inhalation. Each breath takes about 10-15 seconds, and about 500 ml of air can be inhaled. When you breathe, the diaphragm will drop and the abdominal pressure will increase, and it will feel as if the air is entering the abdomen directly. If you put your hand on your belly button at this time, you will feel your hand slightly lifted up and down. This method can also be done alternately in a sitting or lying position for half an hour each.

3. Anal contraction and kidney strengthening method: Flat sitting position: Sit on the edge of a stool with your feet parallel to the ground, chest tucked in and back straightened, head and neck upright, lower jaw slightly retracted, tongue pressed against the upper palate, and eyes slightly closed. Rub your hands together to warm them up, cover your kidneys from behind, and relax your whole body. When you inhale, the anus will slowly contract while you press down lightly with your hands. When you exhale, slowly relax your hands. Repeat this process for half an hour, visualizing your two kidneys throughout the process.