What is the primary role of insulin in the body?

The primary role of insulin in the body is to drive glucose into cells. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. When you consume carbohydrates, they are broken down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. Insulin facilitates the uptake of this glucose by cells, allowing them to use it for energy or store it for later use in the form of glycogen. This process is vital for maintaining normal blood sugar levels and ensuring that the body has a steady supply of energy.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary function of insulin. While digestion is essential for breaking down food, insulin's role is specific to the management of glucose. Oxygen transport is primarily the function of hemoglobin in red blood cells, and body temperature regulation involves multiple physiological mechanisms that are not directly related to insulin. This illustrates the specific and critical function of insulin in glucose metabolism in the body.