Why does a person with cystic fibrosis have an exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?
A) Because the pancreatic ducts are obstructed with mucus
B) Because of the impaired blood supply to the pancreas causing ischemia
C) Because genetically the pancreas is unable to produce digestive enzymes
D) Because the pancreas has a volvulus at the ampulla of Vater

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cystic fibrosis is caused by a mutated gene that produces a defective protein called cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). This protein normally regulates the movement of salt and water in and out of cells, but in cystic fibrosis, it causes the production of thick, sticky mucus that clogs up several organs, including the pancreas. The pancreatic ducts become obstructed with mucus in cystic fibrosis, preventing the digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas from reaching the small intestine and leading to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Why Does a Person with Cystic Fibrosis Have an Exocrine