What is the physiology of the pancreas?

Answer 1

The pancreas is a dual-function gland. While most glands are either exocrine or endocrine, the pancreas has both exocrine and endocrine functions. Exocrine glands secrete substances outside the body or into the gut, while endocrine glands secrete substances into the blood. Consequently, the physiology of the pancreas can be considered in the context of the substances that the pancreas releases into the gut (it does not excrete substances outside the body) or into the blood.

Products from the exocrine portion of the pancreas are called enzymes and include trypsin, chymotrypsin, pancreatic amylase, and pancreatic lipase. Major products of the endocrine pancreas are called hormones and include insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin.

Answer 2

The pancreas is a gland located inferior and deep to the stomach. It has endocrine and exocrine functions. Its endocrine functions pertain to regulating the blood glucose. Its exocrine functions are to produce digestive enzymes.