n.
Compound gland functioning as both an exocrine (secreting through a duct) and an endocrine (ductless) gland.
It continuously secretes pancreatic juice (containing water, bicarbonate, and enzymes needed to digest carbohydrates, fat, and protein) through the pancreatic duct to the duodenum . Scattered among the enzyme-producing cells are the islets of Langerhans, which secrete insulin and glucagon directly into the bloodstream. Disorders include inflammation ( pancreatitis ), infection s, tumour s, and cyst s. If more than 8090% of the pancreas must be removed, the patient will need to take insulin and pancreatic extracts. See also diabetes mellitus ; hypoglycemia .