Final answer:
Hepatocytes convert glycogen to glucose through glycogenolysis, which can be stimulated by factors like low blood sugar levels or stress hormones. The liver and kidney cells can also synthesize glucose through gluconeogenesis from non-carbohydrate precursors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hepatocytes convert glycogen to glucose through a process called glycogenolysis. This occurs when the liver is stimulated to break down its glycogen stores and release the glucose into the bloodstream.
Glycogenolysis can be stimulated by various factors such as low blood sugar levels or stress hormones like glucocorticoids. Additionally, the liver can convert glycerol from the breakdown of stored triglycerides into glucose through a process known as gluconeogenesis.
Gluconeogenesis is a pathway that enables the liver and kidney cells to synthesize glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors like pyruvate, lactate, glycerol, and gluconeogenic amino acids. It is an important process to provide a systemic supply of glucose to nourish other cells when dietary glucose is insufficient.