Question

Which gland secretes digestive enzymes as well as hormones?

• A. Adrenals
• B. Pancreas
• C. Thyroid
• D. Thymus

Answer 1

The correct option is B Pancreas

Endocrine glands are the ductless glands that release their secretion (hormones) directly into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands release their secretions via duct into the target cells/organs only.

a) The adrenal gland is present atop the kidney and secretes glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, sex hormones (by adrenal cortex) and epinephrine and norepinephrine (by adrenal medulla). These hormones are directly released into the blood which confers endocrine function of the adrenal gland.

b) The pancreas is a large organ present in the abdomen and serves as both endocrine and exocrine organ. The endocrine parts of the pancreas are islets of Langerhans that produce and secrete insulin and glucagon hormones directly into the blood. The exocrine part of pancreas releases pancreatic juice via pancreatic duct into the small intestine. Thus, option B is correct.

c) Thyroxine and triiodothyronine are thyroid hormones which are released into the blood to target all tissues and stimulate metabolic rate, growth, and development. This makes thyroid gland an endocrine gland.

d) Likewise, thymosin is secreted by thymus gland which serves as growth hormone.

Thus, the correct answer is 'Pancreas'.