LIVER GLYCOGEN Meaning and
Definition
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Liver glycogen refers to a complex and branched polysaccharide stored in the liver cells, known as hepatocytes, predominantly found in the liver organ. It is a type of stored glucose, functioning as a quick and readily available energy source that can be mobilized and released into the bloodstream when needed. Glycogen is composed of numerous glucose molecules linked together through glycosidic bonds, forming a highly branched structure.
The liver has a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels, and liver glycogen acts as a reserve of glucose to maintain proper blood sugar concentrations during fasting or periods of increased energy demand. When the body requires energy, the liver responds by breaking down glycogen through the process of glycogenolysis, which generates glucose molecules to be released into the bloodstream.
Furthermore, liver glycogen synthesis, called glycogenesis, occurs when blood glucose levels are elevated. In response to high glucose levels, insulin triggers specific enzymes in the liver to convert excess glucose into glycogen for storage. This process helps prevent excessive blood glucose levels and promotes the storage of readily available energy.
Liver glycogen is essential for maintaining stable blood glucose levels, regulating metabolism, and providing a constant supply of glucose for various bodily functions, especially during periods of fasting or increased energy expenditure. Its storage and regulated release contribute to overall physiological homeostasis.
Common Misspellings for LIVER GLYCOGEN
- kiver glycogen
- piver glycogen
- oiver glycogen
- luver glycogen
- ljver glycogen
- lkver glycogen
- lover glycogen
- l9ver glycogen
- l8ver glycogen
- licer glycogen
- liber glycogen
- liger glycogen
- lifer glycogen
- livwr glycogen
- livsr glycogen
- livdr glycogen
- livrr glycogen
- liv4r glycogen
- liv3r glycogen
- livee glycogen
Etymology of LIVER GLYCOGEN
The term "liver glycogen" consists of two parts: "liver" and "glycogen".
The term "liver" comes from the Old English word "lifer", which has Germanic origins. It is believed to be derived from the Proto-Germanic word "librn", meaning "life" or "self". Over time, "lifer" was gradually modified to "liver" in Middle English.
The word "glycogen" has a Greek origin. It is composed of "glykys" meaning "sweet" and "genos" meaning "birth" or "generation". The Greek term "glykogen" denotes a substance that generates sweetness.
Therefore, when combined, "liver glycogen" refers to the glycogen present in the liver, a carbohydrate storage molecule that provides a source of glucose in the body.
