Final answer:
Cortisol plays a role in glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. These processes contribute to maintaining blood glucose levels and cellular energy needs, thus contributing to homeostasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cortisol, a glucocorticoid hormone, plays a role in both glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. Glycogenolysis is the breakdown of glycogen, a stored form of glucose, into glucose molecules. Cortisol stimulates glycogenolysis in the liver, increasing blood glucose levels. Gluconeogenesis is the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids and glycerol. Cortisol promotes gluconeogenesis in liver cells, which also contributes to maintaining blood glucose levels.
Both glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis help maintain homeostasis by ensuring a steady supply of glucose for cellular energy needs. When blood glucose levels drop, cortisol promotes the breakdown of stored glycogen and the synthesis of glucose from other sources, increasing blood glucose levels. This helps provide fuel for cells and prevents hypoglycemia. By regulating glucose metabolism, cortisol helps maintain the balance of blood glucose levels, an essential aspect of homeostasis.