Final Answer:
The cells that perform the exocrine function of the pancreas are acinar cells.Thus the option d. acinar cells is correct answer.
Explanation:
The exocrine function of the pancreas involves the secretion of enzymes involved in digestion. Acinar cells are the primary cells responsible for this process. These specialized cells synthesize and secrete digestive enzymes, such as amylase, lipase, and proteases, into small ducts that eventually join to form the pancreatic duct, which empties into the duodenum. Acinar cells make up the bulk of the pancreatic tissue and play a crucial role in breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from ingested food.
Acinar cells produce digestive enzymes in their rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where these enzymes are synthesized. The enzymes are then transported to the Golgi apparatus for packaging into vesicles. These vesicles containing digestive enzymes fuse with the cell membrane, releasing their contents into the pancreatic ducts. The coordination of these cellular processes ensures that the enzymes reach the digestive tract, aiding in the breakdown of complex nutrients into smaller molecules for absorption.
In the digestive process, these enzymes catalyze the hydrolysis of macromolecules. For instance, amylase breaks down carbohydrates into simpler sugars, lipase acts on fats to form fatty acids and glycerol, while proteases break down proteins into amino acids. This breakdown is essential for efficient absorption in the small intestine. Thus, acinar cells' specialized role in enzyme secretion underscores their significance in the exocrine function of the pancreas.