Module 2
1. Module 2
1.33. Lesson 5
Module 2—The Endocrine System
Lesson 5—the Pancreas
Get Focused
left: © Marc Dietrich/shutterstock; right: © Hannamariah/Barbara Helgason/shutterstock
It’s nearly lunchtime. You’re hungry, tired, light-headed, and worried about a big exam in the afternoon. This is stress! What do you grab to eat? Are you the quick candy bar type, or are you the protein-based meat sandwich type? Or will you just skip lunch? Which choice might help you get rid of the symptoms you’re experiencing and get you through the exam without suffering a complete collapse and meltdown?
This situation is all about the pancreas and how it manages high or low blood sugar levels. For a diabetic, this is a daily balancing act—one that can have very serious consequences. Emily’s pancreas cannot regulate her blood sugar level. The tiny tumours growing in the islet cells of her pancreas cause havoc with the levels of her pancreatic hormones. For Emily, the meat sandwich might not make any difference, but the candy bar may save her life.
To understand the role of the pancreas in the endocrine system, you will investigate the following focusing question:
- How does the pancreas contribute to homeostasis?
Module 2: Lesson 5 Assignment
Your teacher-marked assignment requires that you complete questions about the pancreas and homeostasis.
Download a copy of the Module 2: Lesson 5 Assignment to your computer now. You will receive further instructions about how to complete this assignment later in the lesson.
You must decide what to do with the questions that are not marked by the teacher.
Remember that these questions provide you with the practice and feedback that you need to successfully complete this course. You should respond to all of the questions and place those answers in your course folder.
While you are completing this lesson, there will be many opportunities for you to acquire, understand, and practise the concepts that are presented to you. As you complete these activities, as well as your summary notes, you will file everything in your course folder to reference when you are preparing for exams.
Remember you also have the option of trying additional questions from the textbook for further practice. Consult with your teacher for the answers to these questions. The Key will also provide you with many Diploma Exam-style multiple-choice, numerical-response, and written-response questions that will be an excellent review of the module. Practising your responses to these types of questions is good preparation for the Diploma Exam.