Final answer:
Insulin and glucagon are hormones produced by the pancreas, specifically in the pancreatic islets. They work to maintain blood glucose levels, with insulin decreasing and glucagon increasing glucose concentration in the blood. These hormones are essential for metabolic homeostasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Insulin and glucagon are hormones secreted by the pancreas to control the levels of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins in the whole body. These hormones regulate blood glucose levels. The endocrine cells of the pancreas form clusters called pancreatic islets or the islets of Langerhans. Within these islets, alpha cells produce glucagon and beta cells produce insulin.
When blood glucose levels rise, such as after eating, beta cells secrete insulin to lower these levels, increasing the uptake of glucose by cells and promoting its conversion to glycogen in muscle and liver. Conversely, when blood glucose levels fall, alpha cells secrete glucagon to raise the levels by promoting the breakdown of glycogen to glucose in the liver. This intricate balance maintained by insulin and glucagon is crucial for the body's metabolic homeostasis.
Disorders like diabetes can arise from issues with insulin production or action, resulting in extremes of blood glucose levels.