Describe the hormones of the pancreas and the adrenal glands and their functions.

1. 1 · Open. The pancreas is a mixed gland; its islets of Langerhans are endocrine. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys.
2. 2 · Pancreas.
   • Beta cells: insulin lowers blood sugar (glucose → glycogen).
   • Alpha cells: glucagon raises blood sugar (glycogen → glucose).
   • Lack of insulin causes diabetes mellitus.
3. 3 · Adrenal cortex.
   • Glucocorticoids (cortisol): use of food, less swelling.
   • Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone): salt and water balance.
4. 4 · Adrenal medulla. Adrenaline and noradrenaline: emergency hormones that raise heartbeat, breathing and blood sugar.
5. 5 · Draw the positions. [Diagram: pancreas below the stomach with islets; kidney with an adrenal cap showing cortex and medulla]
6. 6 · Link to daily life. Millets and pulses raise blood sugar slowly, and exercise helps insulin work.
7. 7 · Close. So the pancreas keeps blood sugar steady and the adrenal glands help us handle stress.

Scoring tip: Always name the cells: beta cells for insulin, alpha cells for glucagon. Mixing them up costs marks.