Which organ has both endocrine and exocrine functions?

• A. Liver
• B. Pancreas
• C. Kidney
• D. Thyroid gland

Answer: (B)

Organ systems that have both exocrine and endocrine functions contain tissue specialized for secretions into ducts as well as tissue that releases hormones into the blood. The pancreas is the classic example of this dual arrangement. Its exocrine part is made up of acinar cells that produce digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, and proteases, which travel through a network of ducts and eventually reach the small intestine. The exocrine system also includes ductal cells that secrete bicarbonate-rich fluid to neutralize stomach acid in the duodenum.

Separately, pancreatic endocrine tissue consists of islets of Langerhans scattered throughout the pancreas. These islets house cells that release hormones like insulin and glucagon directly into the bloodstream to regulate blood glucose, along with other hormones such as somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide.

This combination of enzyme-producing exocrine tissue and hormone-secreting endocrine tissue within one organ is why the pancreas is the best answer. Other organs may have important endocrine roles or exocrine-like secretions, but they do not display this distinct dual arrangement as clearly.