Pancreas

Abstract

Carbohydrates, predominantly glucose, and lipids, mostly nonesterified fatty acids [NEFA = free fatty acids (FFA)], provide the bulk of readily available energy for the intact animal. This homeostasis is intimately associated with endocrine activity, including insulin and glucagon from the pancreas, cortisol and catecholamines from the adrenals, and growth hormone from the pituitary. Although other tissues are capable of functioning without glucose as an energy source, the central nervous system is an obligate glucose user. Insulin is important in promoting glucose uptake in fat and muscle cells, enhancing glycogen formation in the liver.