Question

The pancreas is considered to be an __________ gland as it produces the hormones insulin and glucagon that released into the bloodstream. It is also considered to be an _________ gland since it produces digestive enzymes that are emptied into the small intestine via duct.

Answer 1

Answer:

1. Endocrine

2. Exocrine

Explanation:

The pancreas serves as both endocrine and exocrine gland.  

The pancreas is an exocrine gland as the pancreatic acini produce digestive enzymes that are delivered to the small intestine through a network of ducts. The glands that release their secretions by ducts are called exocrine glands.  

Islets of Langerhans scattered among pancreatic acini serve the endocrine part of the pancreas. The alpha cells of pancreatic islets secrete hormone glucagon while the beta cells of the islets secrete the hormone insulin directly in the bloodstream. Likewise, the delta cells of pancreatic islets secrete hormone somatostatin. The ductless glands that release their secretions directly into the bloodstream are known as endocrine glands.