The pancreas has both endocrine and exocrine functions. Which description is correct?

• A. Exocrine: stores glycogen; Endocrine: secretes insulin.
• B. Exocrine: produces enzymes to digest food/protein; Endocrine: makes the hormone insulin to control blood sugar.
• C. Exocrine: produces hormones to regulate blood pressure; Endocrine: stores bile.
• D. Exocrine: produces digestive enzymes; Endocrine: stores bile.

Answer: (B)

The pancreas carries out two separate functions: exocrine secretion of digestive enzymes into the small intestine and endocrine release of hormones into the bloodstream to regulate metabolism. The correct description states that the exocrine portion produces enzymes to digest food, while the endocrine portion makes the hormone insulin to control blood sugar. Digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, and proteases are released into the duodenum to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, respectively. Insulin helps lower blood glucose by promoting its uptake into cells, and other pancreatic hormones help coordinate glucose levels as well.

Options that mention storing glycogen or storing bile mix up which organs handle those tasks. Glycogen storage happens mainly in the liver and muscles, not the pancreas, and bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, not the pancreas.