If a person's blood sugar level rises to 120 mg/100 mL after a meal, which physiological response is most likely to occur to restore homeostasis?

• A. The pancreas releases insulin to promote glucose uptake by cells.
• B. The liver breaks down glycogen to release more glucose into the blood.
• C. The pancreas releases glucagon to increase blood glucose levels.
• D. The kidneys excrete less glucose to conserve blood sugar.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of homeostasis, which refers to the body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions, such as blood sugar levels, despite external changes.
2. Step 2: Recognize that after a meal, blood sugar levels typically rise due to the absorption of glucose from the digestive system into the bloodstream.
3. Step 3: Recall the role of insulin, a hormone released by the pancreas, in lowering blood sugar levels. Insulin promotes glucose uptake by cells and stimulates the liver to store glucose as glycogen.
4. Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options by understanding the physiological roles of glucagon (which increases blood sugar levels), glycogen breakdown (which releases glucose into the blood), and kidney function (which does not directly regulate blood sugar in this context).
5. Step 5: Conclude that the most likely physiological response to restore homeostasis when blood sugar rises is the release of insulin by the pancreas to promote glucose uptake by cells.