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glucagon

/ˈɡluːkəɡɒn/ /ˈɡlukəˌɡɑn/

Meanings
noun
A peptide hormone, produced by the pancreas, that opposes the action of insulin by stimulating the production of sugar

Examples :

"When her blood sugar dropped too low during the marathon, the runner's body released glucagon to raise it back to a safe level. "
physiology medicine biochemistry biology organ

Related Words

Illustration dropped

dropped verb

/dɹɒpt/ /dɹɑpt/

To fall in droplets (of a liquid).

"The leaky faucet dropped water onto the counter all night. "

Illustration stimulating

stimulating verb

/ˈstɪmjəˌleɪtɪŋ/ /ˈstɪm.jəˌleɪ.tɪŋ/

To encourage into action.

"The teacher's interesting presentation stimulated the students to ask many questions. "

Illustration peptide

peptide noun

/ˈpɛptaɪd/ /ˈpɛptiːd/

Any of a class of organic compounds consisting of various numbers of amino acids in which the amine of one is reacted with the carboxylic acid of the next to form an amide bond.

"The body uses a specific peptide to signal hunger, prompting us to eat. "

Illustration marathon

marathon noun

/ˈmæɹəθən/ /ˈmæɹəˌθɑn/

A 42.195 kilometre (26 mile 385 yard) road race.

"My uncle ran in the city marathon last weekend. "

Illustration produced

produced verb

/pɹəˈdjuːst/ /pɹəˈdust/

To yield, make or manufacture; to generate.

"The factory produced 1000 cars last week. "

Illustration opposes

opposes verb

/əˈpoʊzɪz/

To attempt to stop the progression of; to resist or antagonize by physical means, or by arguments, etc.; to contend against.

"There is still time to oppose this plan."

Illustration action

action noun

/ˈæk.ʃən/

Something done so as to accomplish a purpose.

"The student's action of studying diligently improved her grades. "

Illustration released

released verb

/ɹɪˈliːst/

To let go (of); to cease to hold or contain.

"He released his grasp on the lever."

Illustration insulin

insulin noun

/ˈɪnsjʊlin/ /ˈɪnsəlɪn/

A polypeptide hormone that regulates carbohydrate metabolism.

"My grandfather takes insulin to help control his blood sugar levels. "

Illustration hormone

hormone noun

/ˈhɔːməʊn/ /ˈhɔːɹmoʊn/

Any substance produced by one tissue and conveyed by the bloodstream to another to effect physiological activity.

"The hormone adrenaline was released into her bloodstream, causing her heart to race as she prepared for the big presentation. "

Illustration pancreas

pancreas noun

/ˈpæŋkɹɪəs/

A gland near the stomach which secretes a fluid into the duodenum to help with food digestion. The fluid contains protease, carbohydrase and lipase, which breaks down larger molecules into smaller pieces. The pancreas also produces the hormones insulin and glucagon which regulate blood sugar. These hormones are released into the cardiovascular system.

"My uncle's doctor said his pancreas was not functioning properly, so he needed to adjust his diet to help it produce the necessary enzymes for digestion. "

Illustration production

production noun

/pɹəˈdʌkʃən/

The act of producing, making or creating something.

"The widget making machine is being used for production now."