What are the dual roles of the pancreas?

The pancreas serves two primary functions in the body, which are crucial for both digestion and metabolic regulation. It produces digestive enzymes that aid in the breakdown of food, allowing the body to absorb nutrients effectively. These enzymes include amylase, lipase, and proteases, which are essential for breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, respectively.

Simultaneously, the pancreas has an endocrine function where it secretes insulin, a hormone vital for regulating blood glucose levels. Insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells, thereby playing a key role in energy metabolism and maintaining homeostasis. This duality of function—both exocrine (producing digestive enzymes) and endocrine (secreting insulin)—makes the pancreas a unique and indispensable organ in the digestive and metabolic systems.

Other options do not accurately represent the dual functions of the pancreas. The first choice refers to bile, which is produced by the liver, not the pancreas. The third option mistakenly mentions absorption of water and electrolytes, which occurs in the intestines rather than the pancreas. The last choice speaks to the anatomical connection between the stomach and intestine, which does not relate to the pancreas's roles.