Write a short essay to explain the homeostatic control of glucose in the human
body. Briefly discuss the symptoms and management of the resultant chronic
conditions that develop due to a dysfunctional system.
Homeostasis
• is the ability of a living organism to maintain a constant internal environment
• irrespective of changes in the external environment e.g. ability to maintain
constant (correct level) glucose concentration level of the blood.
• Two hormones, insulin and glucagon,
• secreted by the islets of Langerhans
• in the pancreas control the concentration of glucose level of the blood. When
the
blood sugar level is higher
• than normal, the hormone insulin is secreted.
The release of hormone insulin reduces the level of glucose in two
ways.
• Firstly, it increases the rate at which glucose is absorbed
• by the cells of the liver and muscles.
• Secondly, it stimulates the conversion of glucose into glycogen
• and fat in the liver and muscles.
When the blood sugar level is lower than normal,
• the hormone glucagon is secreted.
• The hormone glucagon stimulates the conversion of stored glycogen
• in the liver, into glucose.
• This glucose is released into the blood in order to raise the level of glucose
back to
normal level.
• When insulin is not secreted in the body the glucose level of the blood rises.
• This condition is known as diabetes mellitus.
• The kidney excretes some of the glucose in the urine.
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