Pancreas

The pancreas is a dual-function gland located behind the stomach. Its exocrine portion (acinar cells) produces digestive enzymes (lipase, amylase, proteases) secreted into the duodenum. Its endocrine portion (islets of Langerhans) secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream, primarily insulin (from beta cells) and glucagon (from alpha cells), which are crucial for blood glucose regulation.