Islets of Langerhans: Location and Function

What are the islets of Langerhans? The islets of Langerhans (islets of Langerhans, Langerhans cells, islet cells) consist of about 2000 to 3000 glandular cells surrounded by numerous blood capillaries and have a diameter of only 75 to 500 micrometers. They are irregularly distributed throughout the pancreas, but are found clustered in the tail region … Islets of Langerhans: Location and Function

Sacrum: Structure and Function

What is the sacrum? The sacrum (Os sacrum) is the penultimate segment of the spine. It consists of the five fused sacral vertebrae and their rib remnants, which together form a large, strong and rigid bone. This has a wedge shape: it is broad and thick at the top and becomes narrow and thin toward … Sacrum: Structure and Function

Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (VNS) controls many vital bodily functions. These include, for example, breathing, digestion and metabolism. Whether blood pressure rises, veins dilate or saliva flows cannot be influenced by the will. Higher-level centers in the brain and hormones control the autonomic nervous system. Together with the hormone system, it ensures that the organs … Autonomic Nervous System

Veins: Structure and Function

The way to the heart An important collection point for blood from the abdominal cavity is the portal vein, a vein that brings oxygen-poor but nutrient-rich blood from the abdominal organs to the liver – the central metabolic organ. However, not all veins carry “used”, i.e. oxygen-poor, blood. The exception is the four pulmonary veins, … Veins: Structure and Function

Maiden’s hymen (Hymen)

What is the hymen? The hymen (vaginal corona) is a thin, elastic fold of mucous membrane that partially closes the vaginal opening. It represents the boundary between a woman’s internal and external genitals. Through a remaining opening between the hymen and the wall of the vaginal entrance, menstrual blood can normally flow out unhindered. Where … Maiden’s hymen (Hymen)