AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Glucagon is a peptide hormone secreted from the alpha cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Hypoglycemia is physiologically the most potent secretory stimulus and the best known action of glucagon is to stimulate glucose production in the liver and thereby to maintain adequate plasma glucose concentrations.

Detailed explanation-2: -When blood glucose levels fall too low (low blood glucose), the pancreas pumps out more glucagon. This hormone helps blood glucose rise back up in multiple ways: It causes the liver to convert stored glucose into a usable form and then release it into the bloodstream. (A process called glycogenolysis.)

Detailed explanation-3: -The release of glucagon is stimulated by low blood glucose, protein-rich meals and adrenaline (another important hormone for combating low glucose).

Detailed explanation-4: -The human body wants blood glucose (blood sugar) maintained in a very narrow range. Insulin and glucagon are the hormones that make this happen. Both insulin and glucagon are secreted from the pancreas, and thus are referred to as pancreatic endocrine hormones.

Detailed explanation-5: -A spike in insulin signals the liver that a person’s blood glucose level is also high, causing the liver to absorb glucose and change it into glycogen. When blood sugar levels drop, glucagon instructs the liver to convert the glycogen back to glucose, causing a person’s blood sugar levels to return to normal.