What is the role of hormones in metabolic regulation?

Hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism by controlling energy balance and nutrient storage.

Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that occur in living organisms to maintain life. It involves the breakdown of nutrients to release energy and the synthesis of molecules needed for growth and repair. Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands that regulate various physiological processes, including metabolism.

Insulin and glucagon are two hormones that play a key role in metabolic regulation. Insulin is produced by the pancreas in response to high blood glucose levels and promotes the uptake of glucose by cells for energy or storage as glycogen. Glucagon, on the other hand, is produced by the pancreas in response to low blood glucose levels and stimulates the breakdown of glycogen to release glucose into the bloodstream.

Other hormones that regulate metabolism include thyroid hormones, which control the rate of metabolism by regulating the production of ATP, the energy currency of cells. Adrenaline and cortisol are stress hormones that increase blood glucose levels and promote the breakdown of fats for energy during times of stress.

In summary, hormones play a crucial role in metabolic regulation by controlling energy balance and nutrient storage. Insulin and glucagon are two key hormones that regulate blood glucose levels, while thyroid hormones, adrenaline, and cortisol also play important roles in regulating metabolism.