What is the primary role of the pancreas in the human body?

The primary role of the pancreas in the human body is to regulate blood sugar levels. This is achieved through the production of hormones, primarily insulin and glucagon. Insulin lowers blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, allowing them to use it for energy or store it for future use. Conversely, glucagon increases blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose back into the bloodstream when levels are low. This balance is crucial for maintaining homeostasis, ensuring that the body's cells have a steady supply of energy while preventing damage from excessively high or low blood sugar levels.

In contrast, the other options describe functions of different organs or systems. Producing red blood cells is primarily the role of the bone marrow. Filtering toxins from the blood is primarily performed by the kidneys. Facilitating protein synthesis occurs in the ribosomes of cells, where amino acids are assembled into proteins. Therefore, the focus on the pancreas highlights its vital function in metabolic regulation and homeostasis.