Which organ makes insulin and glucagon?

Which organ makes insulin and glucagon?

• A. Ovaries
• B. Testicles
• C. Pancreas
• D. Thyroid gland

Answer: (C)

Insulin and glucagon are hormones produced by the pancreas. In the pancreas, the islets of Langerhans contain beta cells that make insulin and alpha cells that make glucagon. Insulin helps body cells take up glucose from the blood after eating, lowering blood sugar. Glucagon is released when blood sugar is low and signals the liver to release stored glucose, raising blood sugar. The other organs listed do not produce these hormones—ovaries and testicles make sex hormones, and the thyroid gland makes thyroid hormones.

Insulin and glucagon are hormones produced by the pancreas. In the pancreas, the islets of Langerhans contain beta cells that make insulin and alpha cells that make glucagon. Insulin helps body cells take up glucose from the blood after eating, lowering blood sugar. Glucagon is released when blood sugar is low and signals the liver to release stored glucose, raising blood sugar. The other organs listed do not produce these hormones—ovaries and testicles make sex hormones, and the thyroid gland makes thyroid hormones.