Insulin

Definition

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. It plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis within the body.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Insulin is produced by beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans within the pancreas.
2. It lowers blood glucose levels by promoting its storage as glycogen in liver and muscle tissues.
3. Insulin resistance, where cells fail to respond properly to insulin, is a key feature of type 2 diabetes.
4. The release of insulin is triggered primarily by elevated blood glucose levels following meals.
5. Insulin also inhibits the breakdown of fats and proteins, thus influencing metabolic processes.

Review Questions

• What specific cells in the pancreas produce insulin?
• How does insulin affect blood glucose levels?
• What condition is characterized by insulin resistance?

Related terms

Glucagon: one sentence definition

Glycogen:

one sentence definition

Homeostasis:

one sentence definition