GLUCAGON

Glucagon

Glucagon, a peptide hormone secreted by the pancreas, raises blood glucose levels. Its effect is opposite that of insulin, which lowers blood glucose levels. The pancreas releases glucagon when blood sugar levels fall too low. Glucagon causes the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, which is released into the bloodstream. High blood glucose levels stimulate the release of insulin. Insulin allows glucose to be taken up and used by insulin-dependent tissues. Thus, glucagon and insulin are part of a feedback system that keeps blood glucose levels at a stable level. Glucagon belongs to a family of several other related hormones.

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glucagon

Noun

rendering of glucagon]]
  1. A hormone, produced by the pancreas, that opposes the action of insulin by stimulating the production of sugar


The above text is a snippet from Wiktionary: glucagon
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

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