Functions of the pancreas

The pancreas has digestive and hormonal functions:

 The enzymes secreted by the exocrine gland in the pancreas help break down
carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and acids in the duodenum. These enzymes travel
down the pancreatic duct into the bile duct in an inactive form. When they enter
the duodenum, they are activated. The exocrine tissue also secretes a
bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid in the duodenum. This is the first section
of the small intestine.
 The main hormones secreted by the endocrine gland in the pancreas are insulin
and glucagon, which regulate the level of glucose in the blood, and somatostatin,
which prevents the release of insulin and glucagon.

Cells and Secretions of the Pancreatic Islets

The pancreatic islets each contain four varieties of cells:

 The alpha cell produces the hormone glucagon 

The beta cell produces the hormone insulin 

In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes insulin, but the cells don't

respond to it as they should. This is called insulin resistance. When
glucose can't get into cells, the blood sugar level rises. Then the
pancreas works harder to make even more insulin.

This organ also produces insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood glucose
levels. The cells that produce insulin are called beta cells and sit in the islets
of Langerhans, a set of structures within the pancreas.
Insulin helps the body use carbohydrates in food for energy and helps
transport glucose from the blood into the body’s cells. Glucose provides the
cells with the energy they need to function.

If there is insufficient insulin in the body, cells can no longer take up glucose
from the blood. As a result, levels of glucose in the blood rise. A doctor may
refer to this as having high blood glucose, or hyperglycemia.

Hyperglycemia is responsible for most of the symptoms and complications of

diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not make enough, or any,
insulin. Without this hormone, the cells cannot get enough energy from food.

( TYPE 2) This type of diabetes occurs when the body builds up a resistance
to insulin. While the pancreas may still produce the hormone, the body’s cells
cannot use it effectively.

KIDNEY
renal capsule, thin membranous sheath that covers the outer surface
of each kidney.

 A frontal section through the kidney reveals an outer region called the renal
cortex and an inner region called the renal medulla 

 Renal cortex where the filtering units of the kidney begin.

Renal pelvis collects the urine as it is produced.

The renal columns also serve to divide the kidney into 6–8 lobes
and provide a supportive framework for vessels that enter and
exit the cortex.

Renal Papilla  facilitate the passage of urine.

The renal medulla is the smooth, inner tissue of the kidney. It contains
the loop of Henle as well as renal pyramids.

(Loop of Henle. This section further absorbs potassium, chloride, and

sodium into the blood.)

Renal pyramids are small structures that contain strings of nephrons 

Renal artery. This brings oxygenated blood from the heart to the kidney for filtration.

Renal vein. This carries filtered blood from the kidneys back to the heart.

The nephron uses four mechanisms to convert blood into urine: filtration, reabsorption,
secretion, and excretion.