Hypoglycemia

Learning objectives

To illustrate a principle example of homeostasis.
To discuss an example of hormonal communication.
To discover glucose metabolism.

This animation illustrates the hyperglycemic action of glucagon-α produced by cells of the pancreas during hypoglycemia.

The primary target organ of glucagon is the liver. In liver cells, glycogenolysis is stimulated. Glucose, previously stored as glycogen, is released into the blood.

Click on the pancreas and liver to illustrate how these organs are responding to hyperglycemia.