North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

Which organ is responsible for producing insulin?

1. Liver

2. Kidneys

3. Pancreas

4. Spleen

The correct answer is: Pancreas

The pancreas is crucial in the regulation of blood glucose levels through the production of insulin, a hormone that facilitates the uptake of glucose by the body's cells. Located near the stomach, the pancreas has specialized cells known as beta cells, which are specifically responsible for synthesizing and secreting insulin in response to elevated blood sugar levels, such as after a meal. Insulin plays a vital role in metabolism, allowing cells to absorb glucose for energy and storing excess glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles. This process helps maintain homeostasis in blood sugar levels and prevents conditions such as hyperglycemia or diabetes. The liver, while involved in glucose processing and storage, does not produce insulin. Instead, it responds to insulin by regulating glucose levels in the bloodstream. The kidneys are essential for filtering blood and regulating electrolytes but do not produce insulin either. The spleen plays primarily a role in immune response and filtering blood but has no direct role in insulin production. This distinction emphasizes the pancreas's unique and critical role in endocrine function and metabolic health.