What kind of gland is the pancreas?

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

Answer: (A)

Pancreas carries out both endocrine and exocrine functions, so it has dual secretory roles within one organ. The exocrine portion (acinar cells) produces digestive enzymes like amylase, lipase, and proteases that travel through ducts to the small intestine. The endocrine portion (islets of Langerhans) releases hormones such as insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar. Because it performs both types of secretion, it’s described as a heterocrine gland. While another term, mixed gland, conveys the same idea, the given answer uses heterocrine to emphasize the dual secretory nature. Endocrine-only or exocrine-only descriptions wouldn’t capture the pancreas’s full function, which is why those options aren’t as accurate.