When glucagon is primarily secreted by the pancreas?

When glucagon is primarily secreted by the pancreas?

• A. When blood glucose levels are high
• B. When blood glucose levels are normal
• C. When blood glucose levels are low
• D. When blood calcium levels drop

Answer: (C)

Glucagon is a hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas, and its primary function is to raise blood glucose levels, particularly when they are low. This process is crucial for maintaining the body's energy balance and ensuring that cells have a sufficient supply of glucose for metabolic needs, especially during fasting or between meals. When blood glucose levels drop, glucagon is secreted into the bloodstream and signals the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, a process known as glycogenolysis. Additionally, glucagon stimulates gluconeogenesis, where the liver produces glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. This release of glucose into the bloodstream helps to elevate blood glucose levels back to a normal range, thus countering the effects of hypoglycemia. The other choices refer to states where glucagon secretion is not primarily activated. High blood glucose levels typically prompt the release of insulin, which helps lower glucose levels, while normal glucose levels do not trigger glucagon release in a significant way. The drop in calcium levels pertains to a different set of hormonal responses involving parathyroid hormone, rather than glucagon. Thus, the correct understanding of glucagon's role aligns with its secretion during low blood glucose conditions.

Glucagon is a hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas, and its primary function is to raise blood glucose levels, particularly when they are low. This process is crucial for maintaining the body's energy balance and ensuring that cells have a sufficient supply of glucose for metabolic needs, especially during fasting or between meals.

When blood glucose levels drop, glucagon is secreted into the bloodstream and signals the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, a process known as glycogenolysis. Additionally, glucagon stimulates gluconeogenesis, where the liver produces glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. This release of glucose into the bloodstream helps to elevate blood glucose levels back to a normal range, thus countering the effects of hypoglycemia.

The other choices refer to states where glucagon secretion is not primarily activated. High blood glucose levels typically prompt the release of insulin, which helps lower glucose levels, while normal glucose levels do not trigger glucagon release in a significant way. The drop in calcium levels pertains to a different set of hormonal responses involving parathyroid hormone, rather than glucagon. Thus, the correct understanding of glucagon's role aligns with its secretion during low blood glucose conditions.