Which sequence below correctly describes the maintenance of blood glucose levels?

• A. Low blood sugar, pancreatic beta cells stimulated, insulin released, breakdown of glycogen in target cells
• B. High blood sugar, pancreatic alpha cells stimulated, insulin released, uptake of glucose by target cells
• C. High blood sugar, pancreatic alpha cells stimulated, glucagon released, glycogen synthesis in liver
• D. None of the listed responses is correct.
• E. Low blood sugar, pancreatic alpha cells stimulated, glucagon released, breakdown of glycogen in target cells

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of the pancreas in blood glucose regulation. The pancreas contains two types of cells: alpha cells and beta cells. Alpha cells release glucagon, while beta cells release insulin.
2. Recognize the conditions under which each hormone is released. Insulin is released when blood sugar levels are high, promoting the uptake of glucose by cells. Glucagon is released when blood sugar levels are low, stimulating the breakdown of glycogen into glucose.
3. Identify the correct sequence for low blood sugar. When blood sugar is low, pancreatic alpha cells are stimulated to release glucagon.
4. Understand the action of glucagon. Glucagon signals the liver to break down glycogen into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream to increase blood sugar levels.
5. Review the provided options and match them with the correct physiological response. The correct sequence is: Low blood sugar, pancreatic alpha cells stimulated, glucagon released, breakdown of glycogen in target cells.