Question

Another name for pancreas is?

Answer 1

Pancreas is an abdominal organ which is a part of the digestive system that is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels through the production of insulin and glucagon. It is located behind the stomach and surrounded by spleen, liver and small intestine.

Complete answer:
Pancreas is called a mixed gland. Usually, any gland will either be exocrine or endocrine in function but pancreas can function as exocrine and endocrine gland. Hence the name mixed gland. Four main hormones are produced by pancreas namely Insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, pancreatic polypeptide
Exocrine Function: Enzymes like trypsin and chymotrypsin that are essential for digestion are being produced by the exocrine glands of pancreas which contain chymotrypsin and trypsin that facilitates digestion of proteins, amylase for the digestion of carbohydrates and lipase to break down fats. These pancreatic juices are secreted into the system of ducts and culminate in the pancreatic duct when the food enters the stomach.
Endocrine Function: Islets of Langerhans contribute to the endocrine part that can release insulin and glucagon directly into the bloodstream thereby regulating the blood sugar levels of the body.
Somatostatin: the main function of the hormone is salt balance and it helps to regulate blood glucose levels. It is also called growth hormone inhibiting hormone.
Pancreatic polypeptide: It is a polypeptide which is secreted by the pancreatic cells. It influences the gastric and biliary secretion and motility of the GI tract.

Notes:
There are several pancreatic diseases like Pancreatitis which is the swelling of pancreas when the pancreatic enzyme is secreted and begins to digest the organ itself. It is a chronic condition.
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common form of pancreatic cancer.