Glikogénkészletek

Glikogénkészletek refers to the stored form of glucose in the body, primarily in the liver and muscles. This stored glucose, known as glycogen, serves as a readily available energy reserve. When the body needs energy between meals or during physical activity, glycogen is broken down into glucose through a process called glycogenolysis.

Liver glycogen plays a crucial role in maintaining blood glucose homeostasis. When blood sugar levels drop, the liver releases glucose from its glycogen stores into the bloodstream, ensuring that other tissues, particularly the brain, have a consistent supply of energy. Muscle glycogen, on the other hand, is primarily used to fuel muscle contractions during exercise. Muscle cells can store large amounts of glycogen, but they lack the enzymes necessary to release glucose into the bloodstream. Instead, the glucose derived from muscle glycogen is utilized directly by the muscle itself.

The synthesis of glycogen from glucose is called glycogenesis. This process is stimulated when glucose levels are high, such as after a meal. Hormones like insulin play a key role in promoting glycogenesis, signaling the body to store excess glucose as glycogen. Conversely, when energy demand increases or blood glucose levels fall, hormones like glucagon and adrenaline trigger glycogenolysis, mobilizing the stored energy. The capacity to store glycogen is finite, and prolonged periods of intense exercise or fasting can deplete these reserves.