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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about the pancreas is true?
A
The pancreas is located in the thoracic cavity above the heart.
B
The pancreas stores bile produced by the liver.
C
The pancreas produces only digestive enzymes and no hormones.
D
The pancreas functions as both an endocrine and exocrine gland.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the anatomical location of the pancreas. The pancreas is located in the abdominal cavity, specifically behind the stomach, not in the thoracic cavity above the heart. This eliminates the first statement as incorrect.
Step 2: Clarify the function of bile storage. Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, not the pancreas. This eliminates the second statement as incorrect.
Step 3: Examine the production of hormones and enzymes by the pancreas. The pancreas produces both digestive enzymes (exocrine function) and hormones like insulin and glucagon (endocrine function). This eliminates the third statement as incorrect.
Step 4: Understand the dual role of the pancreas. The pancreas functions as both an endocrine gland (releasing hormones into the bloodstream) and an exocrine gland (secreting digestive enzymes into the small intestine). This supports the fourth statement as correct.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is: 'The pancreas functions as both an endocrine and exocrine gland,' based on the anatomical location and physiological functions of the pancreas.