1. the breakdown of glycogen into glucose, especially in the liver and muscles, triggered by hormones such as epinephrine and glucagon during periods of energy demand or fasting.
Usage: biochemistry term; also called glycogenesis in reverse

Examples

• During intense exercise, glycogenolysis provides glucose to muscles for immediate energy.
• The hormone glucagon stimulates glycogenolysis in the liver to maintain blood sugar levels.
• Glycogenolysis is essential for maintaining glucose homeostasis between meals.
• When you experience a sudden fright, epinephrine triggers glycogenolysis to fuel the fight-or-flight response.
• Understanding glycogenolysis is crucial for studying how the body regulates blood glucose.