Which organ produces insulin and glucagon?

• A. Liver
• B. Pancreas
• C. Stomach
• D. Small intestine

Answer: (B)

Pancreas is the organ that makes both insulin and glucagon. Inside the pancreas are clusters called islets, where different cell types produce different hormones: beta cells release insulin and alpha cells release glucagon. Insulin helps body cells absorb glucose from the blood and promotes storing excess glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles, which lowers blood sugar. Glucagon, on the other hand, rises blood sugar by signaling the liver to break down glycogen and to synthesize new glucose when blood sugar is low. The liver responds to these hormones but does not produce them, while the stomach and small intestine release other digestive hormones, not insulin or glucagon.