What hormone is made in the pancreas and promotes the synthesis and storage of glycogen in the liver and muscle cells?

Insulin is the hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a crucial role in regulating glucose levels in the blood and promoting the synthesis and storage of glycogen in liver and muscle cells. When blood sugar levels rise after eating, insulin is released and facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells, where it can be converted into glycogen for storage. This function is vital for maintaining energy balance and ensuring that glucose is readily available when needed.

In the context of hormones like glucagon, adrenaline, and cortisol, they function differently. Glucagon, for example, has the opposite effect of insulin; it stimulates the breakdown of glycogen into glucose when blood sugar levels are low. Adrenaline, often associated with the fight-or-flight response, triggers the release of energy from reserves but does not promote glycogen synthesis. Cortisol primarily influences metabolism and the immune response rather than directly regulating glycogen storage. Therefore, insulin is specifically key for glycogen synthesis, making it the correct answer in this scenario.