How do insulin and epinephrine interact in glucose metabolism?

Insulin and epinephrine play pivotal but opposing roles in glucose metabolism. Insulin is the hormone that promotes the uptake of glucose by cells and encourages the storage of glucose in the form of glycogen in the liver and muscles. Conversely, epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) is released during stress and stimulates the breakdown of glycogen to glucose, thereby increasing blood glucose levels and providing energy during 'fight or flight' situations.

The correct choice indicates that insulin inhibits the effects of epinephrine. This interaction is crucial because it highlights how the body maintains homeostasis. When insulin is present, it works to lower blood glucose levels by facilitating glucose uptake and storage, counteracting the effects of epinephrine, which increases blood glucose levels. This interplay ensures that when the body is in a relaxed state (favoring insulin) or under stress (favoring epinephrine), there is a balanced approach to glucose metabolism, preventing excessive spikes in blood sugar.

In this context, other options do not capture the nuances of their interaction. For instance, insulin does not promote glycogen breakdown; it does the opposite by promoting glycogen synthesis. Similarly, while epinephrine does play a role in glucose uptake, it primarily focuses on increasing glucose availability rather