Endocrine System MCAT Practice Question
During fasting, a healthy individual experiences decreased blood glucose but maintains stable neural function. Biochemical analysis shows elevated glucagon and decreased insulin secretion. Which of the following hormonal mechanisms most directly explains glucose homeostasis during this fasting state?
Answer choices
- AIncreased epinephrine stimulates glycogenolysis in muscle, providing glucose for systemic circulation
- BElevated glucagon stimulates hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis while reduced insulin removes the brake on catabolic pathwaysCorrect answer
- CDecreased thyroid hormone secretion reduces metabolic rate, minimizing glucose consumption
- DIncreased cortisol promotes amino acid uptake by hepatocytes for immediate glucose production
- EElevated growth hormone directly stimulates hepatic glycogen breakdown through direct enzyme activation
- FDecreased insulin allows increased lipolysis in adipose tissue, which generates free fatty acids that are metabolized by the liver to produce ketone bodies for neural energy
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