glucagon
Definition
Noun: A protein hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas. Its primary function is to raise the concentration of glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream, which is the opposite effect of the hormone insulin.
Usage
Glucagon is used to describe the specific hormone that counteracts low blood sugar. - The doctor administered glucagon to treat the patient's severe hypoglycemic episode. - Insulin and glucagon work together to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Advanced Usage
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1): A related hormone that also affects blood sugar but has different mechanisms and effects. This is a distinct compound, not glucagon itself.
- Glucagon emergency kit: A medical device containing a dose of glucagon for injection during a severe low blood sugar emergency.
Variants and Related Words
- Hyperglycemic: (Adjective) Causing or relating to high blood sugar; describes the effect of glucagon.
- Pancreatic islets (Islets of Langerhans): The clusters of cells in the pancreas where glucagon is produced.
Synonyms
- Hyperglycemic hormone: A descriptive synonym highlighting its primary action.
- Counter-regulatory hormone: A term used in endocrinology for hormones like glucagon that oppose the action of insulin.
Related Phrases
- Glucagon secretion: The process by which the pancreas releases glucagon into the bloodstream.
- Glucagon response: The body's release of glucagon, typically in reaction to low blood sugar or stress.
Noun
-
a hormone secreted by the pancreas; stimulates increases in blood sugar levels in the blood (thus opposing the action of insulin)
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