Which organ helps in regulating blood glucose levels through hormone secretion?

Study for the Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT). Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question provides hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam!

The pancreas plays a critical role in regulating blood glucose levels primarily through the secretion of hormones, particularly insulin and glucagon. Insulin is released in response to high blood glucose concentrations, facilitating the uptake of glucose by cells and promoting its conversion into glycogen for storage. Conversely, glucagon is secreted when blood glucose levels drop, signaling the liver to convert glycogen back into glucose and release it into the bloodstream. This balanced secretion of hormones ensures that blood glucose levels remain stable, demonstrating the pancreas’ essential function in metabolic homeostasis.

In contrast, while the liver does participate in glucose storage and release, it is the pancreas that directly regulates these processes through hormonal control. The spleen is primarily involved in immune response and does not play a role in blood glucose regulation. The kidneys have functions related to fluid and electrolyte balance and can influence glucose reabsorption but are not primarily responsible for the regulation of blood glucose levels through hormone secretion.

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