What role does the pancreas play in metabolism?

The pancreas plays a crucial role in metabolism primarily through its function as an endocrine gland. It secretes hormones, most notably insulin and glucagon, which are fundamental in regulating blood glucose levels. When blood glucose levels rise after eating, the pancreas releases insulin, facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells and promoting its storage as glycogen in the liver and muscles. Conversely, when blood glucose levels fall, glucagon is released to stimulate the conversion of stored glycogen back into glucose, ensuring a stable supply of energy for the body.

This hormonal regulation is essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis, impacting how the body utilizes glucose and other energy substrates. Thus, the pancreas is integral to not only digestion but also to the broader metabolic processes, ensuring that energy balance is maintained in the body.

The other options present limited or incorrect interpretations of the pancreas's functions. While the pancreas does produce digestive enzymes, that alone does not encompass its role in metabolism. Storing excess energy as glycogen primarily occurs in the liver and muscles, and stating that the pancreas is not involved in metabolism at all disregards its critical hormonal functions.