Which hormone is secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas?

The hormone secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas is insulin. Beta cells are specialized cells located in the islets of Langerhans within the pancreas, and their primary role is to produce and release insulin in response to elevated blood glucose levels, such as after eating. Insulin is crucial for regulating glucose metabolism; it facilitates the uptake of glucose by tissues, including muscle and fat cells, thereby lowering blood sugar levels and providing energy for cellular processes.

Insulin also plays a role in lipid and protein metabolism, promoting the synthesis of glycogen, fat, and protein while inhibiting gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources). This regulation is vital for maintaining homeostasis in the body, especially after meals when blood glucose levels typically rise.

The other hormones listed in the options serve different functions: glucagon, which raises blood glucose levels by promoting glycogen breakdown in the liver, is produced by alpha cells in the pancreas; somatostatin, secreted by delta cells, plays a role in inhibiting various hormone secretions, including insulin and glucagon; and cortisol, released by the adrenal glands, is involved in metabolism and the body's response to stress but is not produced by the pancreas. Thus, insulin