Sutures and Wound Repair/ General Surgery (ABSA) Practice Test

What substance does the pancreas secrete directly into the blood serum?

1. Insulin

2. Bile

3. Glucagon

4. Both insulin and glucagon

The correct answer is: Both insulin and glucagon

The pancreas plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels by secreting important hormones directly into the bloodstream. Among these hormones, insulin and glucagon are the primary regulators of glucose metabolism. Insulin is secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas in response to elevated blood glucose levels. Its primary function is to facilitate the uptake of glucose by cells, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. On the other hand, glucagon is secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreas when blood glucose levels are low. Glucagon acts to increase blood sugar levels by promoting the release of glucose from the liver, stimulating gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. Since both insulin and glucagon are secreted directly into the blood serum, the correct choice encompasses the secretion of both substances by the pancreas. This hormonal balance is essential to maintain homeostasis in glucose levels and is key to understanding the endocrine functions of the pancreas. In contrast, bile, which is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, is released into the gastrointestinal tract to assist in digestion rather than being secreted into the blood. Therefore, it does not pertain to the pancreatic secretion. Thus, the answer acknowledges the dual role of the pancreas in secreting both insulin and