How are pancreatic secretions controlled?

Neural Pancreas is innervated by the vagus nerve which releases acetyl cholineWhen activated during the cephalic phase of digestion in anticipation of a meal, there is an increase in pancreatic acinar cell activity Humoral (Hormonal) GastrinSecreted by the G cells of...

What are the phases of pancreatic secretion?

1. Cephalic Phase 2. Gastric Phase 3. Intestinal Phase Describes the activity that occurs in anticipation of a mealSignals are transmitted from the brain via the vagus nerve causing release of acetylcholine in nerve endings in the pancreasCauses moderate amounts of...

What protects pancreatic tissue from digestive enzymes?

Pancreatic enzymes are secreted in inactive form The suffix –ogen or prefix pro- indicates an inactive enzyme (e.g. trypsinogen, procarboxypeptidase They will be activated by: Enterokinase enzyme: secreted by the brush border of the duodenal wall when chyme comes into...

What are the causes of pancreatitis?

Obstructive / Mechanical Gall stones (50%)Malignancy:Pancreatic ductal carcinomaAmpullary carcinomaIslet cell tumourSarcomaLymphomaERCP (5% of procedures)TraumaPenetrating duodenal ulcerCongenital abnormalitiesCystic fibrosis Parenchymal Alcohol (20%)Autoimmune /...

How does pancreatitis present?

Symptoms Abdominal Pain:EpigastricRadiates to backSevere in natureAlleviated by leaning forwardNausea Parenchymal Systemic features:TachycardiaPyrexiaVomiting Abdominal distension Peritonism Signs of retroperitoneal haemorrhage (tracks along tissue planes)...