Final answer:
The pancreas secretes hormones such as insulin and glucagon for blood glucose regulation and digestive enzymes and bicarbonate for digestion. Hormones are released directly into the blood, whereas digestive enzymes are transported via ducts to the small intestine.
Step-by-step explanation:
Function and Secretion of the Pancreas
The pancreas serves vital roles in both the endocrine and digestive systems. As an endocrine gland, it secretes hormones such as insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream, helping to regulate blood glucose levels. These hormones are produced by the pancreatic islets. Additionally, as part of the digestive system, the pancreas releases digestive enzymes and bicarbonate into the duodenum through the pancreatic ducts. These enzymes assist in breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, while bicarbonate neutralizes the acidity of chyme entering from the stomach.
Pancreatic juices containing a variety of enzymes are secreted by exocrine cells known as acini. The secretion process is stimulated by the presence of food in the stomach and duodenum which triggers hormonal signals that activate the pancreas. Some enzymes are secreted in inactive forms to prevent damage to the pancreas and are activated in the small intestine.