Glucagon hormone is secreted by-

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2024

Explanation

Glucagon is a peptide hormone produced by the alpha (α) cells, which are located in the islets of Langerhans within the pancreas.
It functions as a hyperglycemic hormone, meaning its primary role is to raise blood glucose levels, acting as a counter-regulatory hormone to insulin.
Glucagon secretion is stimulated by low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) and an increase in circulating amino acids.
Its main target is the liver, where it promotes glycogenolysis (breakdown of glycogen) and gluconeogenesis (creation of new glucose) to release glucose into the bloodstream.

Option A: The liver is the primary target organ for glucagon, not its source. It stores glucose as glycogen and releases it into the blood when stimulated by glucagon.
Option C: The pituitary gland is a major endocrine gland but it does not secrete glucagon. It secretes hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, and reproduction, such as GH, TSH, and ACTH.
Option D: The kidneys are involved in filtering waste from the blood and regulating blood pressure. They secrete hormones like erythropoietin and renin, but not glucagon.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Endocrine function of the pancreas and hormone secretion as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the function of glucagon is critical in the management of diabetes mellitus. The balance between insulin and glucagon is key to maintaining glucose homeostasis.
A Glucagon Emergency Kit is a life-saving treatment for severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in patients with diabetes. Nurses must know how to administer it via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection when a patient is unconscious or unable to swallow.
What if? If a patient with Type 1 diabetes is found unresponsive with a blood glucose of 40 mg/dL, the priority nursing action is to administer glucagon as prescribed, not attempt to give oral sugar, due to the high risk of aspiration.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on the endocrine system.
Identify the key term in the question: 'Glucagon hormone'.
Access your knowledge of major endocrine glands and the hormones they produce.
Evaluate each option systematically:
Liver: Is it an endocrine gland that secretes glucagon? No, it's a target organ.
Pancreas: Does it secrete glucagon? Yes, from its alpha cells.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 2 p. 65-67

E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 5-7

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.