In human body glycogen is mainly stored in:

Appeared in: BHU NO-2019

Explanation

Glycogen is the principal storage form of glucose in animal and human cells.
The two main tissues responsible for glycogen synthesis and storage are the liver and skeletal muscles.
The liver stores glycogen primarily to maintain blood glucose homeostasis, releasing glucose into the circulation as needed.
Among the given options, the liver is the only major glycogen storage organ listed.

Option A: The intestine's primary role is the digestion and absorption of nutrients, not the long-term storage of glycogen.
Option B: While the kidneys can perform gluconeogenesis (synthesis of new glucose) during prolonged fasting, they are not a major storage site for glycogen.
Option C: The thyroid gland is an endocrine organ that produces hormones (T3 and T4) to regulate metabolism. It does not store glycogen.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Glycogen storage in the human body as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding glycogen storage is fundamental for managing hypoglycemia. When a patient is fasting, the liver's glycogen stores are the first line of defense against a drop in blood sugar.
In patients with severe liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), glycogen storage capacity is diminished, increasing their risk of hypoglycemia. Nurses must monitor these patients' blood glucose levels closely.
Patient education for diabetics often includes explaining how exercise affects muscle glycogen and blood glucose, emphasizing the need to adjust insulin or carbohydrate intake.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on fundamental concepts in physiology and biochemistry.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'glycogen'.
Recall the definition and function of glycogen as the storage form of glucose in the body.
Remember the two primary organs responsible for glycogen storage: the liver and skeletal muscles.
Scan the given options to see if either of these primary storage sites is listed.
The option 'Liver' is present, which is a correct and major storage site. The other options are not primary storage sites.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Textbook of Biochemistry for medical StudentsDM Vasudevan Part 1 (pp 26-370 of 370) p. 157-159

E6 Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry2023 (pp 26-793 of 813) p. 156-158

Practise the full BHU NO-2019

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