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Multiple Choice
Epinephrine ______ blood glucose levels.
A
increases
B
decreases
C
has no effect on
D
stabilizes
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the role of epinephrine in the body. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a hormone released by the adrenal glands during the 'fight or flight' response. It plays a key role in preparing the body for action by mobilizing energy stores.
Step 2: Recall the relationship between epinephrine and glucose metabolism. Epinephrine stimulates processes such as glycogenolysis (the breakdown of glycogen into glucose) and gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) in the liver.
Step 3: Consider the physiological purpose of these processes. By increasing glucose availability in the bloodstream, epinephrine ensures that muscles and other tissues have sufficient energy to respond to stress or danger.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options based on this understanding. Since epinephrine mobilizes glucose into the bloodstream, it does not decrease blood glucose levels, stabilize them, or have no effect. The correct answer must reflect an increase in blood glucose levels.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is 'increases,' as epinephrine raises blood glucose levels to provide energy during stress or emergency situations.