regulation of blood glucose levels

Question 1

raised blood glucose level

Answer 1

• the input, which is an increase in blood glucose concentration above the norm is detected by receptors, the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, the control centre, the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans of pancreas are stimulated to secrete the hormone insulin into the capillary network
• insulin stimulate the uptake of glucose by cells, especially by liver and muscle cells and also triggers the conversion of glucose to glycogen and of glucose to fatty acids and fats in liver cells (cell respiration increase)
• this leads to the output, where blood glucose concentration is decreased back to normal, this is detected in the islets of Langerhans and the beta cells respond by reducing insulin secretion
• insulin is destroyed in the liver and excreted through the kidneys and blood insulin levels falls

Question 2

fall in blood glucose level

Answer 2

• the input which is a decrease in blood glucose concentration below the norm is detected by receptors, the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, the control centre, the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans are stimulated to secrete the hormone glucagon into the capillary network
• glucagon leads to the activation of the enzymes that convert glycogen and amino acids to glucose and also reduces the rate of respirations of cells
• this leads to the output, where once blood glucose concentration is increased back to normal, this is detected in the islets of Langerhans and the alpha cells respond by reducing glucagon secretion
• glucagon is destroyed in the liver and excreted through the kidneys and blood glucagon levels falls