Which gland has both endocrine and exocrine functions and contributes to blood glucose regulation?

• A. Pancreas
• B. Gonads
• C. Thyroid gland
• D. Adrenal gland

Answer: (A)

The main concept is that some organs perform both endocrine and exocrine roles. The pancreas fits because its endocrine portion (islets of Langerhans) releases hormones like insulin and glucagon that regulate blood glucose, while its exocrine portion (acinar cells) releases digestive enzymes into the pancreatic duct to aid digestion. This dual function directly ties the organ to blood sugar control through hormone signaling and to digestion through enzyme secretion.

The other glands don’t combine these roles. Gonads mainly produce sex hormones and gametes, with no significant digestive enzyme output. The thyroid and adrenal glands are endocrine-only, secreting hormones into the bloodstream without an exocrine digestive function.