Question

If a person has not eaten for several hours and is experiencing hypoglycemia, which hormones are released to counteract the hypoglycemia? select all that apply. insulin glucagon epinephrine cortisol growth hormone

Answer 1

The body releases glucagon, epinephrine, cortisol, and growth hormone in response to hypoglycemia to increase blood glucose levels. Insulin is not released as its function is to decrease glucose levels in the blood.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a person experiences hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar levels, after not eating for several hours, the body responds by releasing certain hormones to counteract the hypoglycemia. The primary hormones released include glucagon, epinephrine, cortisol, and growth hormone. Insulin is not released in this situation because its role is to lower blood glucose levels, not increase them.

• Glucagon is released by the alpha cells of the pancreas and stimulates glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to increase blood glucose levels.
• Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is produced by the adrenal medulla and also promotes glycogenolysis in the muscles and liver.
• Cortisol, a glucocorticoid, is released by the adrenal cortex and works to increase blood glucose through gluconeogenesis.
• Growth hormone has a glucose-sparing effect and promotes the breakdown of fatty acids for energy, preserving glucose.

Together, these hormones work to raise blood glucose levels back to the normal range during periods of fasting or low blood glucose conditions.

Answer 2

Glucagon, epinephrine, cortisol, and growth hormones are released if a person has not eaten for several hours and is experiencing hypoglycemia.