Anatomy Practice Exam

What function does glucagon serve in the body?

1. It decreases blood sugar levels

2. It facilitates glucose uptake

3. It regulates water balance

4. It raises blood glucose levels

The correct answer is: It raises blood glucose levels

Glucagon plays a critical role in regulating blood glucose levels, especially during times when the body needs to maintain energy supply in between meals or during fasting. It is a peptide hormone produced by the alpha cells in the pancreas, and its primary function is to increase blood glucose levels when they are low. When blood glucose levels drop, glucagon is released into the bloodstream and targets the liver, where it stimulates the process of glycogenolysis—the breakdown of glycogen into glucose. This liberated glucose is then released into the bloodstream, thus raising blood glucose levels and ensuring that the body's cells have the energy they need to function properly. In addition, glucagon also promotes gluconeogenesis, which is the process of synthesizing new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, further contributing to the increase in blood sugar levels. Understanding how glucagon operates is essential, particularly in the context of metabolic processes and how the body maintains homeostasis in blood sugar levels.