What does it mean to say that the pancreas is both an endocrine and an exocrine organ?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The pancreas contains both exocrine and endocrine cells. Cells of the endocrine pancreas form clusters called pancreatic islets (islets of Langerhans) and the exocrine cells cluster in structures called pancreatic acini. The endocrine cells secrete at their basal surfaces into the interstitial space, exactly opposite to the exocrine gland cells, which secrete fluid and digestive enzymes out of their apical surfaces into tiny ducts. The pancreatic islets secrete the hormones glucagon, insulin, and pancreatic polypeptide, which diffuse into nearby capillaries and then reach cells throughout the body via the circulation. The pancreatic exocrine secretions enter the intestine during digestion and play a key role in both protecting the epithelium and dissolving food particles into their constituent building blocks.