Question

Give reasons for this sentence:
Pancreas are referred to as exo-endocrine gland.

Answer 1

Hint: The exo-endocrine glands are known to release both the hormones and the enzymes which are helpful in various bodily functions. The pancreas is generally known to be having a major role in digestion and also it plays a crucial role in regulating the sugar levels inside the blood.

Complete answer:
The pancreas is present in the lower abdomen of our body just below the stomach and its function is to maintain the pH of the food which comes from the stomach after the action of acid. For the intestinal juices to work on the bolus the ph should be basic which is regulated by the release of pancreatic juices from the pancreas thus helping in the digestion of the food. Therefore, by releasing an enzyme the pancreas is functioning as the exocrine gland. The glands which are known to function both as an endocrine and an exocrine gland are known as the heterocrine glands and there exists only 3 heterocrine glands in the human body.

The pancreas is also known to release various hormones which helps in the maintenance of regulation of various bodily functions and helping the body to function properly. Some of the hormones which are released by the pancreas are basically insulin which maintains the body sugar levels and also t releases glucagon, helpful in the metabolism of glucose and therefore, helping the body in getting the energy.

As we know that for an organ to be an exo-endocrine gland it should function both as a hormone secretor as well as an enzyme secretor. The other example of an exo-endocrine gland is testes which secretes the hormone testosterone and also secretes sperms. The testosterone is needed for the development and the sperms are for the fertilisation. The ovaries also do the dual function by secreting estrogen and ovaries required for the development and fertility.

Note: The pancreas is the main organ along with the liver which is responsible for the digestion of food after its exit from the stomach and also the control of diabetes regulated by the release of insulin by the pancreas.