Certified Medical Assistant Exam Prep

Answer: D - Structures within the pancreas secrete insulin directly into the blood stream. Glucose molecules are unable to pass through the cell membrane on their own. By hitching a ride onto an insulin molecule, the glucose is able to enter the cell. The pancreas is considered part of both the endocrine and digestive systems. In addition to insulin,glucagon, and other hormone secretions, the pancreas manufactures enzymes needed to breakdown fats, proteins, and starches in the digestive track.