Which organs coordinate to raise blood glucose during stress by releasing glycogen stores?

Which organs coordinate to raise blood glucose during stress by releasing glycogen stores?

• A. Pancreas, glucagon, and liver release glycogen stores to increase blood glucose
• B. Adrenal glands release cortisol to increase glucose
• C. Kidneys release glucose into urine
• D. Stomach releases gastrin to raise glucose

Answer: (A)

During stress, the body needs quick energy, so it uses a hormonal signal from the pancreas to mobilize liver glycogen. The pancreas releases glucagon, which travels to the liver and triggers glycogenolysis—breaking down stored glycogen into glucose and releasing it into the bloodstream. This liver-driven glucose release is what raises blood glucose rapidly, coordinating between the pancreas (glucagon) and the liver. While adrenal hormones can also raise glucose, the direct mechanism described here is the glucagon-to-liver pathway. Muscle glycogen helps fuel muscles locally but doesn’t raise blood glucose because muscle tissue can’t export glucose into the blood.

During stress, the body needs quick energy, so it uses a hormonal signal from the pancreas to mobilize liver glycogen. The pancreas releases glucagon, which travels to the liver and triggers glycogenolysis—breaking down stored glycogen into glucose and releasing it into the bloodstream. This liver-driven glucose release is what raises blood glucose rapidly, coordinating between the pancreas (glucagon) and the liver. While adrenal hormones can also raise glucose, the direct mechanism described here is the glucagon-to-liver pathway. Muscle glycogen helps fuel muscles locally but doesn’t raise blood glucose because muscle tissue can’t export glucose into the blood.