Read the following statements regarding endocrine glands and carbohydrate metabolism: A. Cortisol, secreted by the zona fasciculata, stimulates gluconeogenesis and inhibits cellular uptake of amino acids. B. Insulin, secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreas, acts on adipocytes to induce hypoglycemia. C. Glucagon acts mainly on hepatocytes to stimulate glycogenolysis, resulting in an increased blood sugar level. D.

Step-by-step solution

Statement A is correct: Cortisol is the main glucocorticoid secreted by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex. It stimulates gluconeogenesis and inhibits cellular uptake and utilization of amino acids. Statement B is incorrect: Insulin is secreted by the beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, not the alpha cells (which secrete glucagon). Statement C is correct: Glucagon acts mainly on hepatocytes to stimulate glycogenolysis, causing hyperglycemia. Statement D is incorrect: Glucocorticoids inhi