Which hormone does the pancreas secrete?

• A. Glucagon
• B. Growth hormone
• C. Estrogen
• D. Insulin

Answer: (D)

The pancreas has endocrine tissue that releases hormones to regulate blood sugar. Insulin is the hormone most directly associated with the pancreas. It is produced by beta cells and released when blood glucose is high, helping glucose enter muscle and fat cells and signaling the liver to store glucose as glycogen, which lowers blood sugar. The pancreas also secretes glucagon from alpha cells, which raises blood sugar by stimulating glycogen breakdown in the liver—this is especially important during fasting. The other two hormones listed come from different glands: growth hormone from the pituitary and estrogen from the ovaries. So, insulin is the hormone most closely linked to pancreatic secretion.