How does insulin move from where it is produced to its target cell?
Insulin is produced in the pancreas, specifically in the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans. Once it is produced, insulin is secreted into the bloodstream where it travels throughout the body to its target cells.
Insulin binds to insulin receptors located on the surface of target cells, such as muscle, fat, and liver cells. This binding activates a series of cellular processes that enable the cells to take up glucose from the bloodstream and use it for energy or store it for later use.
Insulin is a small protein hormone that quickly moves through the bloodstream to reach its target cells, where it exerts its effects on glucose metabolism. Insulin also has a rapid turnover rate, meaning that it is continuously secreted and rapidly cleared from the bloodstream. This tight regulation ensures that blood glucose levels are maintained within a narrow range.