What does the pancreas regulate in the body?

The pancreas plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels in the body. It achieves this by producing hormones namely insulin and glucagon. Insulin lowers blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, allowing for energy production or storage. Conversely, glucagon increases blood sugar levels by signaling the liver to release stored glucose when blood sugar levels are low. This balance is vital for maintaining homeostasis, as fluctuations in blood sugar can impact various bodily functions and overall health.

In contrast, other options such as heart rate, oxygen levels, and temperature are regulated by different systems. Heart rate is primarily controlled by the autonomic nervous system, especially through mechanisms involving the heart and hormonal influences, while oxygen levels are managed by the respiratory and circulatory systems. Temperature regulation is mainly controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain and involves various physiological responses, not the pancreas.