What role do insulin and glucagon play in the body?

Insulin and glucagon are hormones produced by the pancreas that are crucial in regulating blood sugar levels in the body. When blood sugar levels rise after eating, insulin is released to help cells absorb glucose for energy, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. Conversely, when blood sugar levels drop, glucagon is secreted to signal the liver to release stored glucose back into the bloodstream, increasing blood sugar levels.

This balance between insulin and glucagon is essential for maintaining homeostasis, ensuring that the body has a steady supply of energy while preventing the detrimental effects of both high and low blood sugar levels. Understanding this relationship between these hormones is vital in fields such as diabetes management and overall metabolic health. Other options do not accurately reflect the primary functions of these hormones, as insulin and glucagon are specifically involved in blood glucose regulation rather than heart rate, digestion, or blood pressure stabilization.