What hormone is produced in the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans and decreases plasma glucose levels?

What hormone is produced in the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans and decreases plasma glucose levels?

• A. Glucagon
• B. Cortisol
• C. Insulin
• D. Adrenaline

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is insulin, which is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Insulin plays a vital role in regulating plasma glucose levels in the body. When blood glucose levels rise after eating, insulin is released into the bloodstream, facilitating the uptake of glucose by cells, particularly in muscle and adipose tissues. This process lowers the amount of glucose in the bloodstream, helping to maintain normal blood sugar levels and providing energy to the body's cells. Insulin also promotes the conversion of excess glucose into glycogen in the liver, further contributing to glucose regulation. This feedback mechanism is crucial for metabolic homeostasis. In conditions such as diabetes mellitus, where insulin production is insufficient or its action is impaired, the ability to regulate blood glucose effectively is compromised, leading to elevated glucose levels and various health complications. The roles of the other hormones mentioned are quite different: glucagon is produced by alpha cells in the islets of Langerhans and acts to increase blood glucose levels; cortisol, a steroid hormone, influences metabolism and immune response but does not directly lower blood glucose; and adrenaline (epinephrine) is involved in the 'fight or flight' response, increasing blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogen

The correct answer is insulin, which is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Insulin plays a vital role in regulating plasma glucose levels in the body. When blood glucose levels rise after eating, insulin is released into the bloodstream, facilitating the uptake of glucose by cells, particularly in muscle and adipose tissues. This process lowers the amount of glucose in the bloodstream, helping to maintain normal blood sugar levels and providing energy to the body's cells.

Insulin also promotes the conversion of excess glucose into glycogen in the liver, further contributing to glucose regulation. This feedback mechanism is crucial for metabolic homeostasis. In conditions such as diabetes mellitus, where insulin production is insufficient or its action is impaired, the ability to regulate blood glucose effectively is compromised, leading to elevated glucose levels and various health complications.

The roles of the other hormones mentioned are quite different: glucagon is produced by alpha cells in the islets of Langerhans and acts to increase blood glucose levels; cortisol, a steroid hormone, influences metabolism and immune response but does not directly lower blood glucose; and adrenaline (epinephrine) is involved in the 'fight or flight' response, increasing blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogen