Hormonal Control of Blood Sugar Levels and Nutrition

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing blood sugar regulation, pancreatic hormones, homeostasis, diabetes, nutrition, and graph analysis.

Homeostasis

The ability to maintain a constant internal environment, reacting via physiological mechanisms when changes occur to bring conditions back to normal.

Hormone

Chemical messengers produced by glands that travel through the blood to control body functions.

Insulin

A hormone secreted by the pancreas that decreases blood glucose concentration by stimulating the conversion of excess glucose into glycogen in the liver and muscles, as well as promoting glucose absorption into body cells for energy (respiration).

Glucagon

A hormone secreted by the pancreas that increases blood glucose concentration by stimulating the conversion of glycogen into glucose in the liver and muscles.

$\beta$-cells of the Islets of Langerhans

Pancreatic cells that sense an increase in blood glucose levels above normal (such as after a carbohydrate-rich meal) and secrete insulin directly into the bloodstream.

$\alpha$-cells of the Islets of Langerhans

Pancreatic cells that sense a drop in blood glucose levels below normal (such as when skipping a meal) and secrete glucagon directly into the bloodstream.

Pancreas (Exocrine and Endocrine Gland)

An organ that functions as an endocrine gland by secreting hormones directly into the bloodstream and as an exocrine gland by secreting substances through ducts to travel to target organs.

Pancreas Cellular Diagram

Diagram showing the structure of the pancreas containing $\alpha$ (Alpha) and $\beta$ (Beta) cells within the Islets of Langerhans.

Diabetes Mellitus

A metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels, occurring when insulin is absent or not functioning effectively, causing glucose to remain in the blood.

Hyperglycemia

An abnormally increased glucose level in the blood resulting from absent or ineffective insulin.

Type 1 Diabetes

A form of diabetes where little or no insulin is produced by the pancreas, requiring the person to take daily insulin injections.

Type 2 Diabetes

A form of diabetes where the pancreas produces insulin but body cells cannot use it effectively, requiring oral medication or insulin treatment.

Balanced Diet

A diet that contains all the necessary nutrients in the correct quantities, including energy foods (carbohydrates and lipids), building material (proteins), and protective nutrients (vitamins and minerals).

Malnutrition

A condition caused by failing to follow a balanced diet, categorized into two types: under-nutrition and over-nutrition.

Glucose Uptake Rate Graph (Insulin A vs Insulin B)

Graph measuring cell glucose uptake rate in $\text{mg/kg/min}$ under the influence of Insulin A and Insulin B over a period of $24\,\text{hours}$.