Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What is the primary role of the pancreas within the digestive system?

1. To digest fats

2. To produce insulin

3. To absorb nutrients

4. To filter blood

The correct answer is: To produce insulin

The primary role of the pancreas within the digestive system is to produce insulin, which is vital for regulating blood sugar levels. While the pancreas does have an important role in digestion by secreting digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, its endocrine function—specifically the production and secretion of insulin—plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. Insulin allows cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream, thereby lowering blood sugar levels after meals. This function is crucial for overall metabolic health and energy regulation. Additionally, though the pancreas secretes enzymes that help in digesting fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, it does not absorb nutrients or filter blood, which are roles assigned to other organs like the intestines and kidneys, respectively. Thus, the production of insulin is recognized as the pancreas’s primary function, highlighting its critical importance in both the digestive and endocrine systems.