Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What form is excess glucose stored in the liver and skeletal muscles?

1. Fructose

2. Glycogen

3. Starch

4. Cellulose

The correct answer is: Glycogen

The excess glucose is stored in the liver and skeletal muscles in the form of glycogen. Glycogen is a polysaccharide that serves as a storage form of glucose in animals. When the body has more glucose than it needs for immediate energy, the excess is converted into glycogen through a process called glycogenesis. Glycogen can be quickly mobilized to release glucose when the body requires energy, making it an efficient form of storage. This stored glycogen can be broken down into glucose units when needed, especially during times of fasting, intense exercise, or when blood sugar levels drop. This ability to store and release glucose efficiently is crucial for maintaining energy balance and ensuring that cells have a readily available source of fuel.