Question

Which digestive organ is also called a heterocrine gland?

• A. Liver
• B. Pancreas
• C. Large intestine
• D. Jejunum

Answer 1

The correct option is B Pancreas

A heterocrine gland is the one that serves as both exocrine (where the secretions are carried by ducts to specific organ) as well as endocrine gland (where secretions are released directly into bloodstream). Pancreas, which is located in the abdominal region is an example of heterocrine gland. As an endocrine gland, it secretes hormones like insulin and glucagon directly into the bloodstream to control the blood sugar levels. When the carbohydrates are digested and absorbed, the glucose level in the blood increases. This triggers pancreas to release insulin.
Glucagon prevents blood glucose levels from dropping too low.

As an exocrine gland, the pancreas secretes enzymes like trypsinogen into the duodenum (initial region of small intestine) via pancreatic duct. This trypsinogen after activation into trypsin, breaks down peptides into amino acids.

Liver, which is the largest gland in the body, contains hepatic cells that produce bile juice. Bile secreted by the hepatic cells passes through the hepatic ducts to be stored in the gallbladder.
Since secretions from liver are carried by ducts, it is an exocrine gland.

Jejunum is the second part of the small intestine. It is located between the duodenum and the ileum (last part of the small intestine). It plays a role in absorption of amino acids, simple carbohydrates and fatty acids.

The large intestine is the portion of the digestive system that is mostly responsible for the absorption of water from the indigestible residue of food.