What organ is responsible for producing hormones that regulate glucose levels in the body?

The pancreas is the organ responsible for producing hormones that regulate glucose levels in the body. Its main role in glucose metabolism involves the secretion of insulin and glucagon.

Insulin is produced by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. When blood glucose levels rise, such as after a meal, insulin is released to facilitate the uptake of glucose by cells, thereby lowering blood glucose levels. On the other hand, glucagon is produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas and is released when blood glucose levels are low. It stimulates the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, raising blood glucose levels.

The liver and kidneys also play roles in glucose metabolism but do not primarily function as hormone-producing organs for this purpose. The liver does store glucose and helps regulate overall glucose metabolism, while the kidneys can contribute to glucose reabsorption and production under certain conditions, but neither produces the key hormones directly involved in the immediate regulation of glucose levels. The gallbladder does not have a role in glucose regulation at all. Thus, the pancreas is the primary organ that directly regulates glucose levels through its hormonal secretions.