What are the two main hormones produced by the pancreas?

The correct answer identifies insulin and glucagon as the two main hormones produced by the pancreas. Insulin is crucial for regulating blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, effectively lowering blood sugar when levels rise after eating. Glucagon works in opposition to insulin; it raises blood sugar levels by prompting the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose and release it into the bloodstream when blood sugar levels are low. These two hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining glucose homeostasis, which is vital for overall metabolic health.

In contrast, adrenaline and cortisol are hormones produced by the adrenal glands, not the pancreas. Estrogen and testosterone are sex hormones produced by the reproductive organs and have no direct connection to the function of the pancreas. Glucose, while a sugar that is regulated by insulin and glucagon, is not a hormone itself; it is the substance that these hormones help to manage within the body. Understanding the specific roles of insulin and glucagon clarifies their critical function in energy regulation and diabetes management.