The pancreas is described as which type of gland?

• A. Endocrine gland
• B. Exocrine gland
• C. Heterocrine gland
• D. Mixed gland

Answer: (C)

The pancreas carries out both endocrine and exocrine secretions, so it is a heterocrine gland. The exocrine portion consists of acinar cells that produce digestive enzymes and deliver them into ducts that lead to the small intestine. The endocrine portion comprises the islets of Langerhans, which release hormones like insulin and glucagon directly into the bloodstream. Because it performs two distinct secretory roles through separate pathways, the term heterocrine aptly captures its dual function. Some texts also use the term mixed gland, but heterocrine specifically highlights the combination of both endocrine and exocrine activities.