During hypoglycemia, which organ releases stored glycogen into the bloodstream?

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During hypoglycemia, the liver takes the lead in restoring blood glucose by breaking down its stored glycogen and releasing glucose into the bloodstream. This hepatic glycogenolysis relies on glucose-6-phosphatase to convert glucose-6-phosphate into free glucose, which can exit the liver into the blood through transporters like GLUT2. Hormones such as glucagon and epinephrine stimulate this process to raise blood sugar quickly. Skeletal muscle also stores glycogen, but it lacks glucose-6-phosphatase, so its glycogen breakdown products remain in the muscle to fuel contraction rather than enter the bloodstream. Adipose tissue releases fatty acids and glycerol, not glucose. The kidneys can contribute to glucose production via gluconeogenesis, especially during prolonged fasting, but they are not the primary source of glucose released from stored glycogen during hypoglycemia.