Crossfit Trainer Practice Test Level 1

What hormonal role does glucagon play?

1. It is a storage hormone

2. It increases blood sugar levels

3. It helps in nutrient absorption

4. It reduces fat storage

The correct answer is: It increases blood sugar levels

Glucagon primarily functions to increase blood sugar levels, particularly during periods of fasting or low blood sugar. This hormone is produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas and acts to mobilize stored glucose in the liver. When blood sugar levels drop, glucagon stimulates the liver to convert glycogen, a stored form of glucose, back into glucose and releases it into the bloodstream. This is a crucial response that helps to maintain energy balance in the body and ensures that organs such as the brain, which rely heavily on glucose for energy, function optimally. The other roles mentioned in the other options do not pertain to glucagon. For instance, while it might be tempting to think of storage in terms of glucose management, glucagon actually promotes the release of glucose rather than its storage. Nutrient absorption typically involves hormones such as insulin and does not relate to glucagon's function. Lastly, glucagon does not specifically reduce fat storage; its primary focus is on elevating blood glucose levels, thereby categorizing it as a regulatory hormone for carbohydrate metabolism.