Negative feedback

Blood glucose

The level of glucose in the blood

Pancreas

The organ that monitors blood glucose concentration and produces insulin

Insulin

Hormone produced by the pancreas which lowers blood sugar

Glucose

A simple carbohydrate that is essential for respiration but can have negative effects if levels in the body are not controlled

Glycogen

A carbohydrate that acts as an energy and glucose store in animals

Glycogen production

Insulin can reduce blood sugar levels by converting glucose into glycogen molecules that are stored in the liver

Increased glucose uptake by cells

Insulin can reduce blood sugar levels by unlocking more cells to receive glucose for respiration

Liver and muscle cells

Where glycogen is converted and stored

Glucagon

Hormone released by the pancreas to increase blood glucose, converts glycogen in the liver back into glucose

Negative feedback cycle

Where a change in something brings about a process that causes the opposite effect, keeping levels constant

Purpose of negative feedback

To prevent sudden and severe changes within the body and to maintain homeostasis in the body

Glucose and negative feedback

The balance of insulin and glucagon secretions to maintain blood glucose levels

Glucagon negative feedback

If blood sugar levels become too low, glucagon is released to counteract the change

Insulin negative feedback

If blood sugar levels become too high, insulin is released to counteract the change

Blood sugar control via insulin

High concentrations of glucose can be detrimental so should be controlled, the body can detect if levels are too high and signals the pancreas to release insulin to reduce the levels of glucose back to normal