What is the function of glucagon in the body?

The function of glucagon in the body is to raise blood glucose levels. Glucagon is a hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas, and it plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism. When blood glucose levels drop, glucagon is released into the bloodstream, prompting the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, which is then released into the blood. This mechanism is vital for maintaining energy balance, especially during fasting or when the body requires more glucose, such as during exercise or stress.

Other options present functions that are not related to glucagon. The first option, which suggests that glucagon lowers blood glucose levels, incorrectly describes insulin's function. Insulin is the hormone responsible for decreasing blood glucose. The second option, indicating that glucagon aids in digestion, does not pertain to glucagon, as it primarily is involved in the regulation of blood glucose, not the digestive process. The last option, which states that glucagon converts starches to sugars, confuses the roles of various hormones; in reality, glucagon primarily accelerates the breakdown of glycogen into glucose rather than converting starches directly. Understanding the specific role of glucagon clarifies its importance in glucose management in the body.