Describe the role of the liver in glucose homeostasis.

The liver plays a crucial role in glucose homeostasis primarily through its ability to store glycogen and release glucose into the bloodstream as needed. When blood sugar levels are high, such as after a meal, the liver converts excess glucose into glycogen, a process known as glycogenesis. This stored glycogen can later be converted back into glucose when blood sugar levels decrease, particularly between meals or during periods of fasting, through a process known as glycogenolysis.

Additionally, the liver can synthesize glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids and glycerol, in a process called gluconeogenesis. This means that the liver is central to maintaining stable blood glucose levels, ensuring that the body has a consistent supply of energy, especially during times of low glucose availability.

While insulin production is primarily the function of the pancreas, and although the liver does play a role in fat metabolism, its key contribution to glucose regulation is its ability to store glycogen and release glucose, making this option the most accurate in describing the liver's function in glucose homeostasis.