What are the exocrine and endocrine functions of the pancreas?

The exocrine pancreas secretes digestive enzymes - amylase, lipase, and proteases (e.g. elastase) - into the duct system. The endocrine pancreas (islets of Langerhans) secretes hormones: insulin (beta cells) and glucagon (alpha cells).

Clinical relevance. Knowing the dual functions explains the steatorrhoea and diabetes of pancreatic disease.

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Pancreatic functions

The pancreas has dual exocrine and endocrine roles relevant to its diseases.

Exocrine

• Acinar cells secrete digestive enzymes: amylase (starch), lipase (fat), and proteases/elastase (protein) into the pancreatic duct.
• Loss of exocrine function causes steatorrhoea and malabsorption.

Endocrine

• The islets of Langerhans secrete hormones: insulin from beta cells and glucagon from alpha cells.
• Loss of endocrine function causes diabetes mellitus.

Anatomy note

• A retroperitoneal organ closely related to the splenic vessels, portal vein, and superior mesenteric vessels - relevant to tumour resectability.