Final answer:
The increase in blood glucose levels acts as a stimulus that signals the pancreas to release insulin, which helps regulate the glucose level in the blood. If the glucose level drops, glucagon is released to increase it, thereby maintaining blood glucose homeostasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
When blood glucose levels rise, the brain signals the pancreas to release insulin. This process is initiated by the rise of glucose in the blood acting as a stimulus. Beta cells in the pancreas detect the increased glucose and respond by secreting insulin. Insulin is essential, as it helps cells throughout the body to absorb glucose and use it for energy. This absorption lowers the blood glucose levels back to a normal range.
Conversely, when blood glucose levels fall below normal, alpha cells of the pancreas release glucagon, which causes the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream. This raises the blood glucose levels to the normal range.
These actions of insulin and glucagon are vital for maintaining blood glucose homeostasis, which is crucial for proper cellular function and energy management in the body.