Which organ helps regulate blood sugar?

• A. Pancreas
• B. Heart
• C. Brain
• D. Spleen

Answer: (A)

Blood sugar is kept in balance by hormones produced by the pancreas. The pancreas contains insulin- and glucagon-secreting cells. After a meal, rising glucose prompts insulin release, which helps cells take in glucose and promotes storage as glycogen in the liver and muscles. When blood sugar falls, glucagon is released, signaling the liver to break down glycogen and release glucose back into the bloodstream. This hormonal interplay maintains glucose levels within a narrow range. The pancreas also has an exocrine role for digestion, but its endocrine function is what regulates sugar. The other organs listed don’t directly control blood glucose — the heart uses glucose but doesn’t set its level, the brain uses glucose but doesn’t regulate its amount, and the spleen focuses on filtering blood and immunity.