The pancreas secretes insulin.
Understanding the Pancreas and Insulin
The pancreas is a vital organ located behind the stomach. It has a dual function: an exocrine function (producing digestive enzymes) and an endocrine function (producing hormones). As an endocrine gland, a key role of the pancreas is to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. It achieves this primarily by secreting two crucial hormones: insulin and glucagon.
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Insulin: This hormone helps the body's cells absorb glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream, lowering blood glucose levels. Without sufficient insulin, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to hyperglycemia, a hallmark of diabetes. [This is supported by multiple sources, including MedlinePlus, Endocrine Society, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Byju's.]
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Glucagon: This hormone acts in opposition to insulin, raising blood glucose levels when they fall too low. This balance between insulin and glucagon is crucial for maintaining blood sugar homeostasis. [This is confirmed by Endotext and Cleveland Clinic.]
Several sources, including the Endocrine Society, Nemours KidsHealth, and Wikipedia, emphasize the pancreas's role in regulating blood glucose through the secretion of insulin and glucagon. The pancreas's endocrine function is central to maintaining overall metabolic health.
