AEMCA Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Study for the AEMCA Exam. Prepare with engaging quizzes and flashcards that offer hints and insights. Equip yourself with the knowledge needed to excel on your test!

Practice this question and more.

Which hormone is essential for stimulating liver gluconeogenesis?

Insulin
Adrenaline
Glucagon
Cortisol

The correct answer is: Glucagon

The hormone that is essential for stimulating liver gluconeogenesis is glucagon. Gluconeogenesis is the metabolic process through which the liver generates glucose from non-carbohydrate substrates, primarily during times of fasting or low carbohydrate intake. Glucagon, which is produced by the pancreas, plays a critical role in this process by signaling the liver to convert stored glycogen to glucose and to synthesize glucose from amino acids and glycerol. When blood glucose levels are low, glucagon is released into the bloodstream, promoting these processes and effectively raising blood glucose levels to ensure a constant supply of energy for the body's cells. While cortisol and adrenaline can also influence gluconeogenesis, glucagon is the primary hormone specifically responsible for the direct stimulation of this pathway in the liver. Insulin, on the other hand, works in opposition to glucagon by promoting the storage of glucose and suppressing gluconeogenesis, making it counterproductive in this context.