Pancreas cells

The pancreas has both exocrine and endocrine cells.

 

1. Exocrine cells (digestive function): 

   • Acinar cells → Secrete digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase, proteases, nucleases).

   • Ductal cells → Secrete bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) to neutralize stomach acid.

 

2. Endocrine cells (hormonal function, in Islets of Langerhans): 

   • α (Alpha) cells

   • β (Beta) cells

   • δ (Delta) cells

   • PP (F cells / Pancreatic polypeptide cells)

   • ε (Epsilon cells)

 

Location

Type

Hormones/

Enzymes Secreted

Function

Exocrine
pancreas


Acinar cells

- Amylase

- Lipase

- Proteases

Produces digestive
enzymes

Exocrine
pancreas

Ductal cells

Bicarbonate

Produces bicarbonate
and fluid transport

Islets of
Langerhans

Alpha (α) cells

Glucagon

Increases blood
glucose levels

Islets of
Langerhans

Beta (β) cells

- Insulin

- Amylin

Lowers blood
glucose levels

Islets of
Langerhans

Delta (δ) cells

Somatostatin

Inhibits secretion of
insulin and glucagon

Islets of
Langerhans

PP (F cells / 

Pancreatic

Polypeptide)

cells

Pancreatic
Polypeptide
(PP)

Regulates pancreatic
secretion and appetite

Islets of
Langerhans

Epsilon (ε) cells

Ghrelin

Regulates hunger
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