digestion, diabetes, and appetite Flashcards
Why aren’t digestive systems continuously active?
They are regulated by feedback circuits to activate only when needed
What part of the nervous system regulates digestion?
The enteric division regulates churning, peristalsis, and gastric juice release
How does the endocrine system regulate digestion?
It releases hormones from the stomach and duodenum to control digestive secretions
What is the first way the body stores excess energy?
As glycogen in the liver and muscles
What happens when glycogen stores are full?
Excess energy is stored as fat, which is the last energy source to be burned
What organ regulates blood glucose levels?
The pancreas, by producing insulin and glucagon
What is the normal blood glucose range?
70–110 mg glucose per 100 mL of blood
What is diabetes mellitus?
A condition where blood glucose levels remain high because cells cannot properly take up glucose
How does excessive sugar intake contribute to diabetes?
It can cause insulin resistance, leading to type 2 diabetes
What is Type 1 diabetes?
Insulin-dependent.
Autoimmune: The immune system destroys beta cells in the pancreas.
Usually appears in childhood.
What is Type 2 diabetes?
Non-insulin-dependent.
Target cells fail to respond to insulin.
Risk factors: Obesity, lack of exercise, heredity.
Typically develops after age 40 (7th most common death)
What is overnourishment, and what are its risks?
Consuming more calories than needed → obesity.
Increases risk of Type 2 diabetes, colon/breast cancer, and heart disease.
What hormone triggers hunger?
Ghrelin, secreted by the stomach before meals
What hormones suppress appetite?
Insulin and PYY (secreted by small intestine after a meal).
Leptin (produced by adipose tissue, regulates body fat levels).
How does leptin regulate appetite and body fat?
Negative feedback – When body fat increases, leptin levels rise to suppress appetite.
