Hormones of the Pancreas

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the hormones of the pancreas and their functions.

Insulin

A hormone synthesized in the pancreas that regulates glucose levels in the blood.

C-peptide

A peptide released together with insulin, indicating insulin production.

Proinsulin

The precursor to insulin, which is processed in the Golgi apparatus before secretion.

Basal Insulin Secretion

The steady release of insulin during fasting, ensuring metabolic homeostasis.

GLUT4

A glucose transporter activated by insulin, facilitating glucose uptake in fat and muscle tissues.

Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway

A signaling pathway that mediates insulin action, including glucose uptake.

Amino acids

Organic compounds that serve as building blocks for proteins and can trigger insulin secretion.

Glycogen Metabolism

The process by which glucose is stored as glycogen and its breakdown is regulated by insulin.

Glycolysis

The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, stimulated by insulin.

Acetyl-CoA

A key molecule in metabolism that indicates energy abundance and is produced from pyruvate.

TAG metabolism

The regulation of Triacylglycerol synthesis and breakdown by insulin.

Somatostatin

A hormone that inhibits the secretion of other hormones, including insulin and glucagon.

Glucagon

A hormone that raises blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.

Insulin Receptor

A transmembrane receptor that binds insulin, activating various signaling pathways.

Pleiotropic Actions of Insulin

The multifaceted effects of insulin on different physiological processes in the body.

Glucose Uptake

The process facilitated by insulin, involving the transport of glucose into cells.