Mindarie Senior College 3A/3B HUMAN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE HOMEOSTASIS HOMEOSTATIC MECHANISMS

Glucose Regulation

SPECIAL TERMS Insulin – hormone produced by the  cells of the islets of the Langerhans (pancreas). Is responsible for the conversion of glucose to glycogen and stored in the liver (glycogenesis). It also increases the absorption and utilisation of glucose by the cells. And so reduces the amount of glucose in the blood.

Glucagon – produced by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans (pancreas). Is responsible for increases in blood levels of glucose. It does this by stimulating the glycogen to convert to glucose (glycogenolysis) and by converting proteins and lipids to glucose (gluconeogenesis). I

Islet of Langerhan Blood vessels

Other hormones involved in glucose regulation. –Adrenalin regulates carbohydrate metabolism and increases glucoses levels in blood. –Growth hormone increases fat usage and decrease the use of glucose. –Thyroxine increase glucose absorption from intestine. –Cortisol converts amino acids to glucose.

CONSOLIDATION Newton and Joyce Page 149 Review Questions 1 to 5 Page 150 Apply Your Knowledge, Questions 1 and 2