Physiology · Multiple Systems · Medium
Glycogenolysis
Meaning: The breakdown of the body's stored carbohydrate into usable sugar, mainly in the liver and muscles.
In practice: Adrenaline and glucagon both stimulate glycogenolysis in the liver to raise blood sugar quickly.
Word parts
- -lysis means breaking down
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related physiology words.
Which word means: A regular recurring pattern of biological activity, such as circadian or cardiac rhythm.
Answer: Rhythm
Which word means: Iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
Answer: Haemoglobin
Words like glycogenolysis come up in the daily game
One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.