What is the pancreas responsible for?

• A. Producing bile
• B. Secreting pancreatic juice and hormones like glucagon and insulin
• C. Filtering blood
• D. Absorbing nutrients

Answer: (B)

The pancreas has dual roles in digestion and glucose regulation. It secretes pancreatic juice into the small intestine, which contains digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also releases hormones like insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream to regulate blood glucose levels. This combination of exocrine (digestion) and endocrine (hormonal control) functions is exactly what the pancreas does, making this choice the best description. Producing bile comes from the liver, not the pancreas; filtering blood is mainly done by the liver and kidneys; and absorbing nutrients occurs mainly in the small intestine.