glycogenolysis
biochemistry
glycogenolysis, process by which glycogen, the primary carbohydrate stored in the liver and muscle cells of animals, is broken down into glucose to provide immediate energy and to maintain blood glucose levels during fasting. Glycogenolysis occurs primarily in the liver and is stimulated by the hormones glucagon and epinephrine (adrenaline). When blood glucose levels fall, as during fasting, there is an increase in glucagon secretion from the pancreas. That increase is accompanied by a concomitant decrease in insulin secretion, because the actions of insulin, which are aimed at increasing the storage of glucose in the form of glycogen in cells, ...(100 of 382 words)