American Board of Pathology (ABPath) Practice Test

The ductal part of the pancreas is referred to as the exocrine component. In the context of pancreatic anatomy and function, the pancreas is divided into two main parts: the endocrine and exocrine systems.

The exocrine pancreas is responsible for producing digestive enzymes and bicarbonate, which are secreted into the duodenum through a network of ducts, notably the main pancreatic duct. This ductal structure is integral to the exocrine function as it facilitates the transport of these substances, playing a crucial role in digestion. The acinar cells produce the enzymes, while the ductal cells modify the secretion to achieve the appropriate composition required for digestion.

In contrast, the endocrine part of the pancreas consists of the islets of Langerhans, which secrete hormones like insulin and glucagon directly into the bloodstream, thus regulating glucose metabolism. The mucosal and secretory terms do not specifically pertain to pancreatic anatomy in the traditional sense of describing its ductal system, making them less relevant in identifying the ductal component of the pancreas. Due to this anatomy and function, the distinction clearly identifies the exocrine portion as the ductal part of the pancreas.