Blood glucose conc

• What does blood glucose concentration refer to?

  Amount of sugar in our bloodstream
• Why do we need a constant supply of glucose in our cells?

  To maximize use for respiration
• What happens if blood glucose concentration gets too high?

  It can damage our cells
• What occurs when we consume a meal high in carbohydrates?

  Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose
• Where are glucose molecules absorbed after digestion?

  Into the bloodstream
• How does the body respond to high levels of glucose?

  The pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream
• What does insulin do when released into the bloodstream?

  It tells cells to take in glucose
• Which cells primarily take in glucose in response to insulin?

  Skeletal muscle cells
• What is glycogen?

  Storage form of glucose
• What happens to blood glucose concentration when glucose is removed from the blood?

  Blood glucose concentration levels decrease
• How does the body respond to low levels of glucose?

  The pancreas secretes glucagon into the bloodstream
• What does glucagon do when released into the bloodstream?

  It binds to liver cells
• What process occurs in liver cells when glucagon binds to them?

  Liver cells break down glycogen into glucose
• What is the result of liver cells releasing glucose back into the blood?

  Blood glucose concentration levels return to normal
• How do insulin and glucagon work together in the body?

  • Insulin lowers blood glucose levels
  • Glucagon raises blood glucose levels
  • They create a negative feedback loop