Final answer:
Glycogenolysis is the process that occurs early in the fasting process after absorption, where glycogen is broken down into glucose to maintain normal blood glucose levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stage called that occurs early in the fasting process, after absorption, is glycogenolysis. During the postabsorptive state, glycogenolysis is the process where glycogen is broken down into glucose and released into the blood to maintain blood glucose concentrations within the normal range. This occurrence is a normal response to dropping blood glucose levels as the hormone glucagon is released, acting on the liver to inhibit glycogen synthesis and stimulate its breakdown into glucose. This glucose is then available as a fuel source for cells throughout the body. If fasting continues and glycogen stores are depleted, the body will eventually turn to gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis for further energy production.