Which of the following hormones promotes decreased blood glucose?
Question options:
gluconeogenesis
Glucagon
Cortisol
Growth hormone
None of the above is correct
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: None of the above is correct.
Explanation:
The hormones listed, such as glucagon, cortisol, and growth hormone, actually promote an increase in blood glucose levels, not a decrease. Let’s break this down:
- Gluconeogenesis refers to the process of synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, typically in the liver. While this process is a way for the body to increase blood glucose, it is not a hormone itself but rather a metabolic pathway regulated by hormones like glucagon and cortisol.
- Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels. It does so by stimulating the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, a process called glycogenolysis, and by promoting gluconeogenesis. Glucagon works in opposition to insulin, which lowers blood glucose levels.
- Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is involved in the body’s response to stress and has the effect of increasing blood glucose levels. Cortisol promotes gluconeogenesis and the breakdown of proteins, which leads to the release of amino acids that can be used for glucose production in the liver.
- Growth hormone is another hormone that raises blood glucose levels. It does so by stimulating the liver to produce insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and by promoting the breakdown of fats and proteins, which in turn can be used to increase blood glucose.
The hormone that actually promotes decreased blood glucose levels is insulin, which was not listed in the options. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and works to lower blood glucose by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells for energy and storage. It plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels after meals.
In summary, none of the hormones listed in the question promote a decrease in blood glucose. Insulin is the primary hormone responsible for lowering blood glucose levels.