10.3 Regulating Blood Sugar

Question 1

The pancreas contains two types
of cells:

Answer 1

• One type produces
  digestive enzymes while
• the other type produces
  HORMONES

Question 2

The hormone producing cells are located in structures
called the islets of Langerhans

Answer 2

German scientist Paul Langerhans.
- Named after
More than 2000 tiny islets, each containing thousands of
cells, are scattered throughout the pancreas

Question 3

The islets contain beta and alpha cells which produce hormones which

Answer 3

control blood glucose levels

Question 4

Alpha Cells -

Answer 4

Produce GLUCAGON

Question 5

Beta Cells -

Answer 5

Produce INSULIN

Question 6

INSULIN

Answer 6

• Insulin is released when blood sugar levels INCREASE
• After a meal blood sugar levels rise and insulin is released
• The insulin causes cells of the muscles, liver and other organs to become
  permeable to glucose
• The cells can then absorb the glucose from the bloodstream while the liver
  converts glucose to GLYCOGEN (The primary storage molecule of
  glucose)
• This returns blood glucose levels to NORMAL

Question 7

GLUCAGON

Answer 7

• Glucagon is released when blood glucose levels DECREASE
• After fasting blood sugar levels decrease and Glucagon is released
• This promotes the conversion of GLYCOGEN to GLUCOSE in the liver
  which is then released into the bloodstream