Pancreas

Slide 50 (H & E)

Clinical Case

A patient with a known possible predisposition to pancreatitis presents with severe and constant abdominal pain, nausea, tachycardia, and abnormal findings on abdominal examination. Laboratory studies reveal leukocytosis, an abnormal appearance on x-rays of the abdomen and chest and hyperglycemia. The diagnosis is confirmed by the finding of an elevated level of serum amylase. As what gland type is the exocrine pancreas classified? How would you describe the composition of an asinus? Which zones are found in the cells forming the asinus? The centro-acinar cells form part of which cells of the pancreas? Which types of secretory ducts are found in the pancreas?

Microscopy

The following four figures demonstrate the different structures of the pancreas.

This is a low magnification of the pancreas demonstrating the lobuli and septa. Fig 50-001

This is a low magnification of the pancreas demonstrating the islands of Langerhans. Fig 50-002

This is a very high magnification of the pancreas demonstrating the fine structure of the island of Langerhans (endocrine pancreas). Fig 50-003

This is a very high magnification of the pancreas demonstrating the fine structure of the pancreatic acini of the exocrine pancreas. Fig 50-004

Memorandum
Clinical Case	Fig 50-001	Fig 50-002
Fig 50-003	Fig 50-004