Phosphorylase is an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of glycogen into glucose-1-phosphate, which is a crucial step in glycogenolysis. This enzyme exists in different forms, primarily in the liver and muscle tissues, and plays a vital role in maintaining blood glucose levels and providing energy during muscle contraction. The two main types, liver phosphorylase and muscle phosphorylase, are regulated by different mechanisms to meet the specific needs of these tissues.