In addition to its endocrine role, the pancreas contributes to which major body system?

• A. Digestive system
• B. Nervous system
• C. Respiratory system
• D. Endocrine system

Answer: (A)

The pancreas has an exocrine role that feeds into the digestive system. It releases digestive enzymes—amylase, lipase, and proteases—from acinar cells, and bicarbonate from duct cells into the pancreatic duct, which empties into the small intestine. This pancreatic juice neutralizes stomach acid and enables these enzymes to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, helping with nutrient digestion and absorption. While the pancreas is also an endocrine gland, producing hormones like insulin and glucagon, the non-endocrine contribution that completes a major body system is digestion. The nervous and respiratory systems aren’t directly driven by pancreatic secretions, so the digestive system is the best fit.