Answer: Pancreas, since it secretes digestive enzymes as well as hormones like insulin.
- A Pituitary gland, since it produces both mucus and growth hormone in most observed cases
- B Adrenal gland, since it produces both bile and adrenaline under most conditions studied
- C Thyroid, since it secretes both T<sub>3</sub>/T<sub>4</sub> and digestive enzymes in standard reference material
- D Pancreas, since it secretes digestive enzymes as well as hormones like insulin
Correct answer: D. Pancreas, since it secretes digestive enzymes as well as hormones like insulin
Explanation: The pancreas is a mixed gland: its acinar cells secrete digestive enzymes (exocrine function), while islets of Langerhans secrete hormones like insulin and glucagon (endocrine function).
The hypothalamus releases hormones that direct the pituitary, which releases its own trophic hormone to a target gland; that gland's hormone output then feeds back (dashed lines) to suppress both the pituitary and hypothalamus once levels are sufficient - a self-correcting loop running the entire endocrine system.
Concept context
The endocrine glands, hormone classification and mechanism of action, and negative feedback regulation.