What is the main function of somatostatin in the endocrine system?

Somatostatin plays a crucial role in the endocrine system primarily by inhibiting the release of various hormones. It is often referred to as a regulatory hormone because it helps maintain hormonal balance within the body. Somatostatin is produced in the pancreas and the hypothalamus and acts on multiple endocrine organs to suppress the secretion of hormones such as insulin, glucagon, and growth hormone.

By inhibiting these hormone releases, somatostatin helps control processes like glucose metabolism and growth regulation, contributing to homeostasis. This action is significant because it prevents the overactivity of hormone-producing cells, which could lead to conditions such as hyperglycemia or acromegaly if not properly regulated. Therefore, understanding the function of somatostatin is key to grasping its role in the intricate network of hormonal control within the endocrine system.