part of part of capable of branched duct epithelial cell epithelial cell of pancreas pancreatic ductal cell 2010-06-30T08:49:43Z FMA:63099 Pancreatic ductal cells are a vital structural component of the pancreas, a principal gland involved in digestion and metabolism. These cells exist as flat or cuboidal epithelial cells, primarily organizing themselves to form a network of ducts throughout the pancreas. They create an integral component of the glands' 'exocrine' component, aiding in the transportation of digestive enzymes from the acinar cells (another type of cells in the exocrine pancreas that produce the enzymes) to the small intestine. The primary function of the pancreatic ductal cells revolves around the secretion of bicarbonate ions, contributing to the alkaline pancreatic juice that neutralizes the acidic gastric juice in the duodenum. This action allows for a conducive environment for the activated digestive enzymes to efficiently break down food. Furthermore, the pancreatic ductal cells essentially control the amount of fluid that is released into the duodenum, thereby playing a significant role in maintaining the fluid-electrolyte balance in the body. Pancreatic ductal cells can also act as the origin point for several pancreatic diseases. The uncontrolled proliferation of these cells often leads to the formation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the most common type of pancreatic cancer. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) https://cdn.humanatlas.io/digital-objects/2d-ftu/pancreas-intercalated-duct/v1.2/assets/2d-ftu-pancreas-intercalated-duct.png https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0002079 Epithelial cell found in the ducts of the pancreas. This cell type contributes to the high luminal pH. ZFA:0009380 https://cdn.humanatlas.io/digital-objects/2d-ftu/pancreas-pancreatic-acinus/v1.2/assets/2d-ftu-pancreas-pancreatic-acinus.png epithelial cell of exocrine pancreas bicarbonate transmembrane transporter activity Homo sapiens ventral pancreatic duct