The pancreas releases glucagon.
Understanding Glucagon and its Source
Glucagon is a crucial hormone regulating blood sugar levels. When blood glucose drops too low (hypoglycemia), the pancreas responds by releasing glucagon. This hormone signals the liver to release stored glucose, raising blood sugar levels back to normal. This intricate process is vital for maintaining energy balance in the body.
Specifically, alpha cells within the pancreas are responsible for producing and releasing glucagon. These cells are distinct from beta cells, which produce insulin, another important hormone involved in glucose regulation. The pancreas, therefore, plays a central role in maintaining blood glucose homeostasis.
Several sources confirm this:
- Cleveland Clinic: "The alpha cells in your pancreas make glucagon and release it in response to a drop in blood sugar, prolonged fasting, exercise and protein-rich meals." https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22283-glucagon
- Endocrine Society: "It is a large gland located behind the stomach. It produces insulin, glucagon, and other hormones." https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/hormones-and-endocrine-function/pancreas-hormones
- WebMD: "It's made in your pancreas, a small organ ... If your blood sugar dips too low, your pancreas releases glucagon to tell your liver to make more…" https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/glucagon-blood-sugar
- Medical News Today: "When blood sugar levels are too low, the pancreas releases glucagon." https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316427
- NCBI Bookshelf: "Consistent with the relative receptor expression, the liver and kidneys seem to represent the two main organs removing glucagon from the…" (This source focuses on glucagon removal, but implicitly confirms pancreatic origin.) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279127/
