Which gland is responsible for the secretion of insulin?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option A
The gland responsible for the secretion of insulin is the Pancreas. Specifically, insulin is produced by the beta cells located in the islets of Langerhans within the pancreas. Insulin plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, especially muscle and fat cells, for energy production or storage.
Other glands mentioned in the options have different functions:
- The Adrenal gland secretes hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which are involved in stress response and metabolism regulation.
- The Thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism and growth.
- The Pituitary gland is known as the “master gland” and secretes various hormones that control other endocrine glands but does not secrete insulin.
Understanding the specific role of the pancreas and its cells in insulin production is fundamental to grasping the body’s endocrine regulation and the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus.
Reference: Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th Edition, Chapter 66: Pancreatic Hormones and Diabetes Mellitus
Other glands mentioned in the options have different functions:
- The Adrenal gland secretes hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which are involved in stress response and metabolism regulation.
- The Thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism and growth.
- The Pituitary gland is known as the “master gland” and secretes various hormones that control other endocrine glands but does not secrete insulin.
Understanding the specific role of the pancreas and its cells in insulin production is fundamental to grasping the body’s endocrine regulation and the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus.
Reference: Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th Edition, Chapter 66: Pancreatic Hormones and Diabetes Mellitus
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