What role does the pancreas play in glucose homeostasis?

The pancreas is critical in maintaining glucose homeostasis, primarily through its production and secretion of insulin and glucagon. Insulin is released when blood glucose levels are high, such as after eating a meal, facilitating the uptake of glucose by cells for energy or storage as glycogen in the liver and muscle tissues. On the other hand, glucagon is secreted when blood glucose levels drop, prompting the liver to release stored glucose back into the bloodstream. This interplay between insulin and glucagon ensures that blood sugar levels remain stable within a healthy range.

The other choices do not accurately represent the functions of the pancreas. Bile production is the role of the liver and gallbladder, not the pancreas. The pancreas does not synthesize vitamin D; rather, vitamin D is primarily produced in the skin and processed by the liver and kidneys. The primary role in nutrient absorption lies with the intestines, not the pancreas. Thus, the statement regarding the pancreas’s regulation of blood sugar levels through the actions of insulin and glucagon is accurate and highlights its essential function in glucose homeostasis.