Homeostasis - Glucose Metabolism

Anatomy and Physiology

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A mechanism functioning to maintain a stable environment.

Atom

The basic unit of matter, examples include Hydrogen, Carbon, Nitrogen, and Oxygen.

Molecule

A group of atoms bonded together, examples include Water, Glucose, and Carbon Dioxide.

Macromolecule

Large complex molecules, examples include Proteins, Lipids, Carbohydrates, and Nucleic Acids.

Organelle

Specialized structures within a cell, examples include Nucleus, Golgi Apparatus, and Mitochondria.

Cell

The basic structural and functional unit of living organisms, examples include Muscle Cell, Neuron, and Erythrocyte.

Tissue

A group of similar cells performing a specific function, examples include Epithelia, Connective, Muscle, and Nerve.

Organ

A structure composed of different tissues working together, examples include Heart, Lungs, and Brain.

Organ System

A group of organs that work together to perform complex functions, examples include Respiratory and Circulatory systems.

Organism

A living thing that can function independently.

Insulin

A hormone that lowers blood glucose levels by stimulating uptake.

Glucagon

A hormone that increases blood glucose levels by stimulating release.

Glycogenesis

The formation of glycogen from glucose.

Muscle and Liver

Organs that store and release glycogen.

Hypoglycemia

A condition characterized by low blood sugar levels.

Hyperglycemia

A condition characterized by high blood sugar levels.

Type II Diabetes

A form of diabetes characterized by insulin resistance, often due to obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

Somatostatin

A hormone that inhibits insulin and gut activity, limiting glucose permeability in the intestinal lumen.

Glycogenolysis

The breakdown of glycogen to form free glucose.

Alpha Cells

Pancreatic cells that respond to hypoglycemia by releasing glucagon.

Beta Cells

Pancreatic cells that respond to hyperglycemia by releasing insulin.

Delta Cells

Pancreatic cells that release the hormone somatostatin.

Type I Diabetes

A form of diabetes characterized by the destruction of beta cells due to an autoimmune response.