The insulin and glucagon trap
A free TEAS® anatomy & physiology explainer with an original practice question
The pancreatic islets hold two cell types that pull blood glucose in opposite directions. Beta cells release insulin, which lowers blood glucose by helping cells take it up and store it. Alpha cells release glucagon, which raises blood glucose by signalling the liver to release stored glucose.
This is negative feedback: high glucose after a meal brings insulin, and falling glucose during fasting brings glucagon.
The trap is a double swap, mixing up the hormones and mixing up the cells. Learn them as pairs: beta and insulin, alpha and glucagon.
Try a sample question
During fasting, glucose falls in the blood. Which pancreatic cell and hormone support raising it?
- A.Beta cell and insulin
- B.Beta cell and glucagon
- C.Alpha cell and insulin
- D.Alpha cell and glucagon
Show the answer
D. Alpha cell and glucagon
"Alpha cell and glucagon" fits fasting because glucagon helps raise blood glucose. Beta cells are a trap: they release insulin, which generally lowers blood glucose instead.
Why the other answers tempt:
- A. Beta cells release insulin, which lowers blood glucose.
- B. Glucagon is released by alpha cells, not beta cells.
- C. Alpha cells release glucagon, while insulin lowers glucose.
Beta makes insulin; alpha makes glucagon.
Checked against OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology 2e, 17.9 The Endocrine Pancreas. Original question, not from a real test.
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