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Multiple Choice
When blood glucose levels fall, which hormone is primarily released to restore homeostasis, and what is its main effect?
A
Thyroxine; decreases metabolic rate to conserve glucose
B
Glucagon; stimulates the liver to convert glycogen to glucose
C
Adrenaline; increases glucose uptake by muscle cells
D
Insulin; stimulates cells to take up more glucose from the blood
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of homeostasis: Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions, such as blood glucose levels, despite external changes. When blood glucose levels fall, the body must respond to restore balance.
Identify the role of hormones in glucose regulation: Hormones like insulin and glucagon are key players in maintaining blood glucose levels. Insulin lowers blood glucose by promoting uptake into cells, while glucagon raises blood glucose by stimulating glycogen breakdown in the liver.
Focus on glucagon's function: Glucagon is released by the pancreas when blood glucose levels are low. Its primary effect is to stimulate the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream to restore glucose levels.
Eliminate incorrect options: Thyroxine is involved in metabolic rate regulation, not glucose homeostasis. Adrenaline primarily prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses and does not directly restore blood glucose levels. Insulin lowers blood glucose, which is the opposite of what is needed when levels are already low.
Conclude that glucagon is the correct hormone: Based on its function of increasing blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogen breakdown in the liver, glucagon is the hormone primarily responsible for restoring homeostasis when blood glucose levels fall.