The primary target organ for the glucagon hormone is the liver.
Glucagon plays a vital role in regulating blood glucose levels, especially when they fall too low. When blood sugar drops, the pancreas releases glucagon, which then acts on specific cells in the liver to increase glucose levels. This is crucial for maintaining energy supply, particularly for the brain and other organs that rely heavily on glucose for fuel.
Here’s a breakdown of how glucagon interacts with the liver:
- Glycogenolysis: Glucagon stimulates the breakdown of glycogen (stored glucose) in the liver. This process, called glycogenolysis, releases glucose into the bloodstream, thus raising blood glucose levels.
- Gluconeogenesis: If glycogen stores are low, glucagon can promote gluconeogenesis. In this process, the liver creates glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids and glycerol. Again, this results in an increased glucose level in the blood.
In summary, while glucagon has effects on other tissues, the liver is considered the major target organ because of its crucial role in glucose metabolism. According to the provided reference, "The liver represents the major target organ for glucagon." This emphasizes the liver's significance in the hormone's action and the overall process of glucose regulation.
