HEPATIC GLYCOGEN Meaning and
Definition
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Hepatic glycogen refers to the storage form of glucose in the liver. It is a complex carbohydrate made up of multiple glucose molecules joined together through glycosidic bonds. The liver plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels, and hepatic glycogen serves as an essential energy reservoir for this purpose.
When glucose levels in the blood are high, usually after a meal, insulin stimulates the uptake of glucose by the liver cells. Excess glucose is then converted into hepatic glycogen through a process called glycogenesis. This conversion allows the liver to store glucose for future use.
During times of low blood glucose, such as between meals or during physical activity, the liver breaks down hepatic glycogen through glycogenolysis. This process involves the enzymatic breakdown of the glycogen molecules into individual glucose units, which are then released into the bloodstream to maintain steady glucose levels.
Hepatic glycogen acts as a buffer, ensuring a constant supply of glucose to meet the body's energy needs when dietary sources are not available. It plays a critical role in preventing hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by low blood sugar levels that can cause weakness, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness.
Overall, hepatic glycogen is a vital component of the energy metabolism system, providing a glucose reserve that the liver can mobilize when needed to regulate blood glucose concentrations and maintain normal bodily functions.
Common Misspellings for HEPATIC GLYCOGEN
- gepatic glycogen
- bepatic glycogen
- nepatic glycogen
- jepatic glycogen
- uepatic glycogen
- yepatic glycogen
- hwpatic glycogen
- hspatic glycogen
- hdpatic glycogen
- hrpatic glycogen
- h4patic glycogen
- h3patic glycogen
- heoatic glycogen
- helatic glycogen
- he-atic glycogen
- he0atic glycogen
- hepztic glycogen
- hepstic glycogen
- hepwtic glycogen
- hepqtic glycogen
Etymology of HEPATIC GLYCOGEN
The word "hepatic glycogen" has its etymology rooted in Latin and Greek origins.
1. Hepatic: The term "hepatic" comes from the Latin word "hepar" which means "liver". It is derived from the Ancient Greek word "hēpar", which also refers to the liver.
2. Glycogen: The word "glycogen" originates from the Greek words "glykys" meaning "sweet" and "gennan" meaning "to produce". It was coined by the French physiologist Claude Bernard in 1856 to describe the substance found in the liver that produces glucose.
When combined, "hepatic glycogen" refers to the form of glycogen stored in the liver. Glycogen is a complex carbohydrate that acts as a reserve of energy in organisms and is stored in the liver and muscles.
