What is the definition of glycogenolysis?

Glycogenolysis is the biochemical process through which glycogen, a polymer of glucose, is broken down into glucose molecules. This process occurs in response to signals that indicate a need for glucose, such as during physical exertion or fasting. Glycogenolysis is initiated by the enzyme glycogen phosphorylase, which cleaves glucose units from the glycogen molecule, producing glucose-1-phosphate. The glucose-1-phosphate can then be converted to glucose-6-phosphate and either used for energy in glycolysis or, in the liver, converted to free glucose and released into the bloodstream to maintain blood glucose levels.