what is the pancreas and what does it do
A. The pancreas has two main functions. It produces substances called enzymes that aid in the digestion of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. It also produces hormones that regulate different functions of the body. The two main hormones produced by the pancreas are insulin and glucagon.
The pancreas is a secretory structure with a internal hormonal role (endocrine) and an external digestive role (exocrine) . It has two main ducts, the main pancreatic duct, and the accessory pancreatic duct. These drain enzymes through the ampulla of Vater into the duodenum.