The pancreas is a long, soft organ that lies transversely
along the posterior abdominal wall, posterior to the stomach,
and extends from the region of the duodenum to the spleen.
This gland has an exocrine portion that secretes digestive
enzymes that are carried through a duct to the duodenum. The
endocrine portion consists of the pancreatic islets, which
secrete glucagons
and insulin.
Alpha cells in the pancreatic islets secrete the hormone
glucagons in response to a low concentration of glucose
in the blood. Beta cells in the pancreatic islets secrete
the
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