What is the role of the pancreas in the human body?

The pancreas plays a vital role in the human body by producing both hormones and digestive enzymes. It has two main functions:

1. Endocrine Function: The pancreas contains clusters of cells known as islets of Langerhans, which produce hormones such as insulin and glucagon. These hormones are crucial for regulating blood sugar levels, with insulin lowering blood sugar and glucagon raising it. This balance is essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis.

2. Exocrine Function: The pancreas also synthesizes digestive enzymes like amylase, lipase, and proteases, which aid in breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins respectively. These enzymes are secreted into the small intestine through the pancreatic duct, where they facilitate digestion of food as it enters the digestive tract.

This dual function of enzyme production for digestion and hormone production for blood sugar regulation makes the pancreas a key organ in both the digestive and endocrine systems.