Which hormone is produced by alpha cells in the pancreas?

Alpha cells in the pancreas are responsible for the production of glucagon, which is a hormone that plays a critical role in glucose metabolism. When blood sugar levels fall, glucagon is released to stimulate the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, releasing it into the bloodstream. This process helps to maintain normal blood glucose levels, especially during fasting or between meals.

Insulin, produced by beta cells in the pancreas, has the opposite effect, lowering blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells and the storage of glucose as glycogen. Glycogen itself is not a hormone but rather a polysaccharide that serves as a form of energy storage in the liver and muscles. Adrenalin, also known as epinephrine, is produced by the adrenal glands and plays a role in the body’s response to stress rather than directly regulating blood glucose levels.

Understanding the function of glucagon is essential for grasping how the body maintains energy balance, particularly in response to energy deficits.