Which pancreatic hormone functions to raise blood glucose levels?

• A. Pancreatic polypeptide
• B. Somatostatin
• C. Insulin
• D. Glucagon

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of the pancreas in regulating blood glucose levels. The pancreas produces hormones that help maintain glucose homeostasis in the body.
2. Learn the function of each hormone mentioned in the problem: - Pancreatic polypeptide regulates pancreatic secretion and gastrointestinal activity, not blood glucose levels. - Somatostatin inhibits the release of several hormones, including insulin and glucagon, but does not directly raise blood glucose levels. - Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake into cells.
3. Focus on glucagon, which is the hormone responsible for raising blood glucose levels. It is secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreas when blood glucose levels are low.
4. Understand the mechanism of glucagon: It stimulates the liver to break down glycogen into glucose (glycogenolysis) and promotes the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources (gluconeogenesis). This increases blood glucose levels.
5. Conclude that glucagon is the correct answer because its primary function is to raise blood glucose levels, unlike the other hormones listed.