The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen that has dual roles in the body, serving as an organ of the digestive system and of the endocrine system. The pancreas produces substances that impact digestion and blood sugar. The pancreas has two main functions: an exocrine function that helps in digestion and an endocrine function that regulates blood sugar.

Exocrine Function:

• The pancreas contains exocrine glands that produce enzymes important to digestion.
• These enzymes include trypsin and chymotrypsin to digest proteins, amylase for the digestion of carbohydrates, and lipase to break down fats.
• When food enters the stomach, pancreatic juices are released into a system of ducts that culminate in the main pancreatic duct. These juices travel through the pancreas via ducts and empty into the upper part of the small intestine called the duodenum.
• Each day, the pancreas makes about 8 ounces of digestive juice filled with enzymes.

Endocrine Function:

• The endocrine component of the pancreas consists of islet cells (islets of Langerhans) that create and release important hormones directly into the bloodstream.
• Two of the main hormones produced by the pancreas are insulin and glucagon.
• Insulin helps the body use sugar for energy, while glucagon helps raise blood sugar levels by sending a message to the liver to release stored sugar.
• Other pancreatic hormones include gastrin, amylin, and somatostatin.

In summary, the pancreas produces digestive juices called enzymes that break down sugars, fats, and starches, and also produces hormones that regulate blood sugar levels and appet...