How is glucose primarily absorbed in the body?

Prepare for the Texas AandM University Nutrition for Health and Health Care exam. Our study materials feature flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations to enhance your understanding and increase your success rate.

Glucose is primarily absorbed into the bloodstream from the intestines after carbohydrate digestion. When carbohydrates are consumed, they are broken down into simpler sugars, primarily glucose, in the gastrointestinal tract. This glucose then passes through the intestinal lining into the bloodstream.

Once in the blood, glucose is transported to various tissues throughout the body, including muscle and adipose (fat) tissues, where it can be utilized for energy or stored for later use. This process is crucial as glucose serves as a primary energy source for cellular metabolism. The transport of glucose into tissues is facilitated by insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels.

The other processes mentioned are not the primary means of glucose absorption. While glucose can eventually be stored as glycogen in the liver, this occurs after its absorption into the bloodstream, making that option less relevant to the question of how glucose is absorbed in the body. Similarly, glucose is not directly absorbed into fat cells nor ingested and expelled through the kidneys, as those refer to different metabolic processes.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy