The pancreas is a vital organ of the body which is in fact a gland with several secretory functions. It is a gland attached to the digestive tract of the amphicrine type, i.e. both exocrine and endocrine. These functions are performed by different tissues that make up the pancreas. 

The exocrine function of the pancreas produces, on the one hand, bicarbonate ions under the action of secretin from the duodenum, and on the other hand, pancreatic enzymes. The pancreatic juice contains proenzymes synthesized by the acinar cells. These proenzymes are inactive and are activated in the digestive tract.

Like any endocrine gland, the pancreas synthesizes hormones. The endocrine part represents only 1% of the pancreas. The products synthesized by the endocrine pancreas are mainly insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide. Glucagon and insulin are two hormones necessary for the regulation of blood sugar. They are produced in islets of cells called islets of Langerhans.