Question

Which of the following glands has both an endocrine and an exocrine function?

• A. Adrenal
• B. Mammary
• C. Pancreas
• D. Thyroid

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Pancreas

Endocrine glands are the ductless glands that release their secretion (hormones) directly into the blood stream. The released hormones affect the target cells which specifically carry their receptors. Exocrine glands release their secretions via a duct into the target cells/organs only. 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.

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.

Mammary glands secrete milk which is released via ductules and ducts; this makes them exocrine glands.

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.

So, the correct answer is option C.