Pancreas
As you know the pancreas serves both exocrine and endocrine functions. It is made up of small clusters of glandular epithelial cells. 99% are called Acini and constitute the Exocrine portion of the organ. Cells within the acini secrete a mixture of fluid and digestive enzymes called Pancreatic Juice . 1% of the clusters are called Pancreatic Islets (Islets of Langerhans) and form the Endocrine portion of the pancreas. These cells secrete hormones glucagon, insulin, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide. Pancreatic juices are secreted by the exocrine cells into small ducts that unite to form two larger ducts: The Pancreatic Duct and the Accessory Pancreatic Duct. These pass secretions into the duodenum of the small intestine. The Pancreatic Duct joins the Common Bile Duct from the liver and enters the Duodenum as a common duct called the Hepatopancreatic Amplulla in most horses. The passage of pancreatic juice and bile is through this common duct. It is a clear colourless juice consisting mostly of water, some salts, sodium bicarbonate, and several enzymes including amylase to break down carbohydrates. Pancreatic juice acts to neutralize the contents of the stomach.
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