Physiology of Glucose Regulation and Osmoregulation

What is the primary source of energy for cells?

Which hormone raises blood glucose levels?

What is the normal range of blood glucose levels?

Which organ regulates water and ion balance in the body?

What stimulates water reabsorption in the kidneys?

What happens when blood osmolality is high?

______ is the primary energy source for the body's cells

The pancreas produces two hormones to regulate ______ glucose

When ______ glucose levels are high, insulin is released

Osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus monitor ______ osmolarity

The release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) increases ______ reabsorption in the kidneys

In the absence of ADH, the kidneys excrete more ______, increasing urine volume

Glucose Regulation

Importance of Glucose Regulation

Glucose is the primary source of energy for cells
Blood glucose levels must be maintained within a narrow range (4-8 mmol/L) to ensure proper cellular function

Mechanisms of Glucose Regulation

Pancreas: produces insulin (lowers blood glucose) and glucagon (raises blood glucose)
Liver: stores glycogen (polysaccharide) and converts it to glucose when needed
Adrenal glands: produce adrenaline, which stimulates glycogen breakdown in liver and muscles

Negative Feedback Mechanism

High blood glucose: stimulates insulin release, which promotes glucose uptake in cells and glycogen synthesis in liver
Low blood glucose: stimulates glucagon release, which promotes glycogen breakdown in liver and glucose release into bloodstream

Osmoregulation

Importance of Osmoregulation

Maintains proper water balance and ion concentrations in cells
Prevents dehydration or overhydration, which can be fatal

Mechanisms of Osmoregulation

Kidneys: regulate water and ion balance by controlling amount of water reabsorbed into bloodstream
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH): stimulates water reabsorption in kidneys, reducing urine volume
Aldosterone: stimulates sodium reabsorption in kidneys, increasing water reabsorption

Negative Feedback Mechanism

High blood osmolality: stimulates ADH release, which promotes water reabsorption in kidneys
Low blood osmolality: inhibits ADH release, reducing water reabsorption in kidneys

Test your understanding of glucose regulation and osmoregulation mechanisms in the human body. Learn how the pancreas, liver, and adrenal glands work together to regulate blood glucose levels, and how the kidneys and hormones like ADH and aldosterone maintain proper water balance and ion concentrations.