Final answer:
Alpha cells secrete glucagon while beta cells secrete insulin. Glucagon raises blood glucose levels, while insulin lowers blood glucose levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alpha cells and beta cells are two types of endocrine cells found in the pancreas. Alpha cells secrete the hormone glucagon, while beta cells secrete the hormone insulin. These hormones play antagonistic roles in regulating carbohydrate metabolism.
Glucagon is released by alpha cells when blood glucose levels decline. It stimulates the liver to break down glycogen into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream. This helps raise blood glucose levels.
Insulin, on the other hand, is released by beta cells when blood glucose levels rise, such as after a meal. Insulin promotes the uptake of glucose by most body cells, including fat, liver, and skeletal muscle cells. It also increases glycogen synthesis in these tissues, which helps lower blood glucose levels.