Which organ contains endocrine cells that regulate blood sugar and exocrine cells that secrete digestive enzymes?

Study for the AAMI Certified Associate in Biomedical Technology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which organ contains endocrine cells that regulate blood sugar and exocrine cells that secrete digestive enzymes?

Explanation:
Pancreas. It has both endocrine and exocrine roles: endocrine cells release hormones that regulate blood sugar (insulin to lower, glucagon to raise glucose), while exocrine cells produce digestive enzymes (like amylase, lipase, and proteases) that are released into the small intestine. The other organs listed don’t combine both functions—the liver mainly handles metabolism and bile production, the spleen is a lymphoid organ, and the gallbladder stores bile but does not secrete digestive enzymes or regulate blood glucose.

Pancreas. It has both endocrine and exocrine roles: endocrine cells release hormones that regulate blood sugar (insulin to lower, glucagon to raise glucose), while exocrine cells produce digestive enzymes (like amylase, lipase, and proteases) that are released into the small intestine. The other organs listed don’t combine both functions—the liver mainly handles metabolism and bile production, the spleen is a lymphoid organ, and the gallbladder stores bile but does not secrete digestive enzymes or regulate blood glucose.

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