What is the function of the pancreas as an endocrine gland?

The pancreas serves a critical role as an endocrine gland by secreting hormones directly into the bloodstream. The primary hormones produced by the pancreas are insulin and glucagon, which are essential for regulating blood glucose levels. Insulin lowers blood sugar by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, while glucagon increases blood sugar levels by promoting the release of glucose stored in the liver.

While the pancreas also has an exocrine function, where it produces digestive enzymes to aid in the digestion of food in the gastrointestinal tract, this function is distinct from its role as an endocrine gland. The storage of bile and the absorption of nutrients from food pertain to the liver and intestines, respectively, and do not relate to the hormonal functions of the pancreas. Therefore, the correct function of the pancreas as an endocrine gland is its ability to secrete hormones into the bloodstream, an essential process in maintaining metabolic homeostasis.