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Flip to reveal answersWhich organ monitors and controls blood glucose?
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All 9 Flashcards — Blood glucose regulation
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Question
Which organ monitors and controls blood glucose?
Answer
The **pancreas** — it secretes insulin and glucagon.
Question
Name the two hormones that regulate blood glucose.
Answer
**Insulin** (lowers high glucose) and **glucagon** (raises low glucose).
Question
What does insulin do, and when is it released?
Answer
Released when glucose is **too high**: it makes **liver and muscle cells take up glucose** and store it as **glycogen**, lowering blood glucose.
Question
What does glucagon do, and when is it released?
Answer
Released when glucose is **too low**: it makes the **liver break glycogen down** into glucose, raising blood glucose.
Question
What is glycogen?
Answer
The **storage form of glucose** (many glucose units), kept mainly in the **liver and muscles**.
Question
What does 'antagonistic hormones' mean here?
Answer
Insulin and glucagon have **opposite effects** — one lowers glucose, the other raises it.
Question
Why is blood glucose control negative feedback?
Answer
Each response **opposes the change** and returns glucose to its **set point**, holding it within narrow limits.
Question
On a graph, what explains blood glucose FALLING after a meal?
Answer
Glucose rose → **insulin** released → cells **take up and store** glucose as glycogen → glucose falls.
Question
Glucagon vs glycogen — what's the difference?
Answer
**Glucagon** is the **hormone** that raises glucose; **glycogen** is the **storage molecule**.
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Topic 4.9 hub
Homeostasis
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