Pancreas

Definition

The pancreas is a vital organ that serves both as an endocrine gland, producing important hormones like insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels, and as an exocrine gland, secreting pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes into the small intestine. It plays a crucial role in digestion and metabolism.

Related terms

Insulin:

A hormone produced by the pancreas that allows cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream for energy or storage.

Glucagon:

A hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels by promoting the conversion of stored glycogen into glucose in the liver.

Pancreatic juice: A mixture of water, salts, bicarbonate, and enzymes secreted by the exocrine pancreas into the small intestine to aid in digestion