Question

Insulin is a hormone secreted by an endocrine gland. Name the gland and write about the functions of insulin.

Answer 1

Insulin is a peptide hormone secreted by the pancreas.

Insulin helps control blood glucose levels by signalling the liver and muscle and fat cells to take in glucose from the blood. Insulin, therefore, helps cells to take in glucose to be used for energy. If the body has sufficient energy, insulin signals the liver to take up glucose and store it as glycogen. As well as being involved in the regulation of blood glucose, insulin is also involved in how fat is used by the body. When the liver is has taken up its capacity of glycogen, insulin signals fat cells to take up glucose to be stored as triglycerides. An additional effect of insulin is in inhibiting the breakdown of fats.