How does insulin travel through blood

Health · Middle School · Thu Feb 04 2021

Answered on

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, specifically by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans. Once insulin is produced, it is released into the bloodstream, where it travels throughout the body. Here are the steps of how insulin travels through the blood:

1. Insulin Release: After a meal is consumed, glucose levels in the blood rise. In response, the beta cells in the pancreas sense the increase and start producing insulin.

2. Entry into Bloodstream: Insulin is released directly into the bloodstream via the pancreatic ducts, which are connected to blood vessels.

3. Circulation: Once in the bloodstream, insulin circulates through the body, being carried alongside the blood as it travels through the veins and arteries.

4. Binding to Receptors: Insulin's primary function is to facilitate the uptake of glucose by the body's cells. It does so by binding to insulin receptors on the surface of cells, mainly muscle, liver, and fat cells

Related Questions