Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

Which structure is responsible for producing insulin?

1. Liver

2. Pancreas

3. Kidneys

4. Gallbladder

The correct answer is: Pancreas

The structure responsible for producing insulin is the pancreas. This organ plays a crucial role in the regulation of glucose levels in the blood. The pancreas contains specialized cells known as beta cells, which are part of the islets of Langerhans. These beta cells detect changes in blood glucose levels and release insulin when those levels rise, helping cells throughout the body to absorb glucose for energy or store it for later use. While the liver does store and release glucose as needed, it does not produce insulin. The kidneys are involved in filtering blood and regulating various substances, including blood pressure and electrolyte balance, but they do not produce insulin either. The gallbladder's primary function is to store and concentrate bile, which aids in the digestion of fats, and it has no role in insulin production. Thus, the pancreas is the only option that accurately describes the organ responsible for producing insulin.