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WHAT IS A FUNCTION OF PANCREAS
The pancreas can also be thought of as having different functional components, the endocrine and exocrine parts. (The pancreas has digestive and hormonal functions)

  •  The enzymes secreted by the exocrine gland in the pancreas help break down carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and acids in the duodenum.
  • These enzymes travel down the pancreatic duct into the bile duct in an inactive form.
  • When they enter the duodenum, they are activated.
  • The exocrine tissue also secretes a bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid in the duodenum.
  •     The hormones secreted by the endocrine gland in the pancreas are insulin and glucagon (which regulate the level of glucose in the blood), and somatostatin (which prevents the release of the other two hormones).


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