Blood glucose regulation

Glucose

primary energy source for functioning of cells. Through cellular respiration it is broken down to carbon dioxide and water, and the chemical energy is transferred to ATP.

Glycogen

A storage polysaccharide found in the liver and muscle of animals built from thousands of glucose molecules

Insulin

A hormone produced by beta cells of the pancreas that acts to increase the uptake of glucose from the blood by body cells.

Glucagon

A hormone produced by alpha cells of the pancreas that acts on liver cells resulting in the increased release of glucose from liver cells into the bloodstream

Beta cells

pancreas special cells islets of Langerhans that secrete insulin

Alpha cells

pancreas special cells islets of Langerhans that secrete glucagon

Pancreas

Makes and secretes both glucagon and insulin to control blood glucose levels

Liver

Takes up glucose when levels are high and release glucose when levels are low

Muscles

Take up and store lots of glucose when insulin is present

Fat cells

Take up glucose when insulin is present, use glucose to make more fat

Brain

Takes up glucose when energy is needed, doesn't require insulin