Which organ is most immediately reliant on suffiecient blood glucose and why?

Question

1st year med student and i cant find the answer to this question on my revision papers

Answer 1

I'm trying to answer this question, but I just can't...

Answer 2

Ohhh dear... You are a 1st year med student?

You've had A&P right?

Your question is which organ most immediately reliant on blood glucose...
Im going to reword your question, so as to clarify my understanding of what you are asking.

Which organ is first affected by low blood glucose? and why?

My initial guess is the BRAIN:
Glucose is the primary fuel for the CNS. The brain can not produce or store much of glucose and therfore needs a continuous supply from the circulation. In the absence of glucose, the body outside the brain can use fat(triglyceride) or protein as fuel.
In mild hypoglycemia, the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated resulting in an adrenergic response (sweating, pallor, nervousness, tachycardia). So in this case I would conclude that the hypothalamus is the first organ to sense a decrease in blood glucose. In more severe hypoglycemia, there is a central nervous system response, including disorientation, seizures, loss of consciousness.

If you're not sure... check out the pathophysiology of hypoglycemia and diabetic coma.

Answer 3

I would think the brain because the brain controls the rest of the body. Go to www.webmd.com for answer

Answer 4

the brain, but I don't know the cellular mechanism as to why? But the first thing we check if a patient has altered or acute change in LOC, is their blood sugar....

Answer 5

The brain--its cells don't even need insulin for energy.

Answer 6

Definitely, the brain. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can be similar to those of stroke.

Answer 7

the brain

Answer 8

pancreas it meters out insulin as needed