Final answer:
The correct answer is option B. The pancreas releases insulin to control blood glucose levels. Insulin stimulates cells to take up glucose and inhibits the liver from releasing stored glucose, maintaining the normal range of blood glucose concentration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pancreas plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels through the release of hormones, primarily insulin and glucagon. These hormones work in tandem to maintain a delicate balance, ensuring that the body's cells receive an adequate supply of glucose for energy.
Insulin, released by the beta cells in the pancreas, facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells, especially muscle and adipose (fat) cells. This process is vital for reducing blood glucose levels after meals when they typically rise. Insulin promotes the storage of excess glucose in the liver and muscles in the form of glycogen.
Conversely, glucagon, released by the alpha cells in the pancreas, acts to increase blood glucose levels when they dip too low. This hormone prompts the breakdown of glycogen into glucose in the liver, releasing it into the bloodstream for use by cells.
The intricate interplay between insulin and glucagon ensures that blood glucose remains within a narrow range, essential for sustaining various physiological functions.
Disruptions in this balance can lead to conditions such as diabetes, where inadequate insulin action results in elevated blood glucose levels, adversely affecting multiple organs and systems in the body. Understanding the pancreas's role in blood glucose regulation underscores its significance in maintaining overall metabolic health.