ABSTRACT
In the absence of disease, the pancreas develops and functions silently, providing hormones and digestive enzymes in a regulated fashion. These products are delivered to the proper place at the appropriate time in the right form. Potentially damaging enzymes must be synthesized, stored, released, and transported in a manner that preserves the integrity of all of the components. Accomplishing this process requires not only the special-
ization of different types of cells, but also the restriction of products, at various stages, to specific compartments to avoid premature activation with resultant injury to the tissues. Transmission of material to and from the cell is closely regulated. Membranes separate intracellular contents. Material in the lumen is separated from the extracellular matrix by the organization of the epithelial components, which make up the acini and ducts.
