What is the primary function of glucagon in the body?

The primary function of glucagon is to cause elevation of the blood glucose level. Glucagon is a hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining blood sugar levels during fasting or periods of low carbohydrate intake. When blood glucose levels drop, glucagon is released into the bloodstream and acts on the liver to stimulate the breakdown of glycogen—a stored form of glucose—into glucose through a process called glycogenolysis. This newly released glucose enters the bloodstream, raising the overall blood glucose levels.

Understanding this function is key, especially in the context of managing conditions like diabetes, where maintaining appropriate blood glucose levels is vital for overall health. The regulation of blood sugar levels by glucagon illustrates the body's complexity in achieving homeostasis through hormone interactions and responses to varying conditions.