The pancreas functions as two separate organs for digestion and blood sugar control
The pancreas operates as two distinct organs housed in one structure, performing entirely different roles for the digestive and endocrine systems.
The vast majority of the pancreas is dedicated to its exocrine function, producing roughly two liters of enzyme-rich fluid daily to break down fats and proteins in the small intestine. Simultaneously, scattered 'islands' of tissue known as the Islets of Langerhans perform a critical endocrine role by secreting hormones directly into the bloodstream.
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