Which tissue forms the exocrine portion of the pancreas that secretes digestive enzymes into ducts?

Which tissue forms the exocrine portion of the pancreas that secretes digestive enzymes into ducts?

• A. Centroacinar cells
• B. Ductal cells
• C. Acini glands
• D. Islets of Langerhans

Answer: (C)

Digestive enzymes are produced by the acini, the secretory units of the exocrine pancreas. Acinar cells are organized into clusters that synthesize enzymes (like amylase, lipase, and proteases) and package them into zymogen granules, which are released into the ductal system. The ducts—lined by ductal cells—carry these enzymes toward the main pancreatic duct, where they eventually reach the small intestine. The centroacinar cells are part of the ductal pathway inside the lobules, and while they participate in the duct system, they’re not the main tissue that secretes the enzymes. The Islets of Langerhans are endocrine and release hormones into the blood, not into ducts.

Digestive enzymes are produced by the acini, the secretory units of the exocrine pancreas. Acinar cells are organized into clusters that synthesize enzymes (like amylase, lipase, and proteases) and package them into zymogen granules, which are released into the ductal system. The ducts—lined by ductal cells—carry these enzymes toward the main pancreatic duct, where they eventually reach the small intestine. The centroacinar cells are part of the ductal pathway inside the lobules, and while they participate in the duct system, they’re not the main tissue that secretes the enzymes. The Islets of Langerhans are endocrine and release hormones into the blood, not into ducts.