Glucose is carried through the blood to what?
Glucose, a simple sugar and a key source of energy for cells, is carried through the bloodstream to various parts of the body where it is used by cells for energy. Most notably:
1. Muscle cells: Glucose is taken up by muscle cells during physical activity to provide the energy necessary for muscle contraction.
2. Brain cells: The brain relies heavily on glucose as its main source of energy under normal circumstances.
3. Liver cells: The liver plays a central role in maintaining blood glucose levels. It can store glucose in the form of glycogen or release glucose back into the bloodstream as needed.
Glucose can also be utilized by other tissues and organs within the body that require energy to function. Cells absorb glucose from the blood with the help of the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. Insulin facilitates the entry of glucose into cells and is critical for the homeostasis of blood sugar levels. When insulin function is impaired, as in diabetes, glucose cannot be used effectively by the cells, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.