Given below is the transverse section of a gland of the human body. Study the diagram and answer the following questions.
(i) Name the gland shown in the diagram.
(ii) Name the two hormones secreted by it. Give one important function of these hormones.
(iii) What is the difference between exocrine and endocrine glands?

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Solution

(i) Identification of gland in the diagram
The above diagram represents the pancreas which is a heterocrine gland.
The exocrine part of the pancreas produces pancreatic juice which helps in digesting foods.
The endocrine part of the pancreas comprises a cluster of cells called ‘islets of Langerhans’. It secrets pancreatic hormones.
(ii) Hormones secreted by the pancreas:
The ‘islets of Langerhans’ contain alpha (α) and beta (β) cells.
Alpha cells secrete the hormone called glucagon.
Beta cells secrete a proteinaceous hormone called insulin.
Important functions of glucagon:
Glucagon hydrolyses glycogen to glucose in the liver. From the liver, glucose passes into the blood.
It also produces glucose from amino acids by a process called gluconeogenesis.
Important functions of insulin:
Insulin makes cells responsive to glucose. The cells absorb the glucose and metabolize it.
In the liver and muscle, insulin helps in the conversion of glucose to glycogen.
(iii) Difference between exocrine and endocrine glands:
Exocrine glands are those glands that pour their secretion to the outer body surface or some internal organ through ducts. Example: salivary and sweat glands.
Endocrine glands are those glands that pour their secretion into the circulatory system. They don’t have ducts. Example: pituitary and thyroid glands.
Exocrine glands
Endocrine glands
1. Exocrine glands possess ducts.
1. Endocrine glands do not have ducts.
2.They do not occur in isolation.
2. They are isolated glands.
3. They pour their secretion to the outer body surface or some internal organ through ducts.
3. They pour their secretion into the circulatory system.
4. Their target site is adjacent to them.
4. Their target site is far away from them.
5. They secrete various substances such as enzymes, excretory substances, mucus, lubricants, etc.
5. They secrete hormones and information molecules.

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Exocrine glands	Endocrine glands
1. Exocrine glands possess ducts.	1. Endocrine glands do not have ducts.
2.They do not occur in isolation.	2. They are isolated glands.
3. They pour their secretion to the outer body surface or some internal organ through ducts.	3. They pour their secretion into the circulatory system.
4. Their target site is adjacent to them.	4. Their target site is far away from them.
5. They secrete various substances such as enzymes, excretory substances, mucus, lubricants, etc.	5. They secrete hormones and information molecules.