Eating Flashcards
What is homeostasis?
Homeostasis involves brain processes that regulate internal states at appropriate or optimal levels.
What is the set point in homeostasis?
The set point is the proper level to be maintained.
What is hunger?
Hunger is a psychological drive state based on a biological need to obtain and replace calories.
What is the prandial state?
State after eating a meal, during which nutrients are in the blood and glucose is stored as glycogen.
Why do cells, especially brain cells, need glucose?
Cells, especially brain cells, need glucose to function and make ATP.
What is the role of central receptors in homeostasis?
monitor the internal state and ensure it is at the desired level (at set point).
What is the role of insulin in the prandial state?
Insulin promotes the storage of glucose as glycogen and fatty acids as triglycerides.
What is the difference between short-term and long-term energy storage?
Short-term energy storage is glucose stored as glycogen, while long-term energy storage is fatty acids stored as triglycerides.
What is the role of the LH hypothalamus in feeding behavior?
The LH hypothalamus is the supposed feeding center of the brain, and when lesioned, animals lack hunger.
What is the role of the VMH hypothalamus in feeding behavior?
The VMH hypothalamus is the supposed satiety center of the brain, and when lesioned, animals are very much hungry.
What is the hormone produced by adipose tissue that acts on the hypothalamus to decrease appetite?
Leptin.
What is the hormone produced by the stomach that acts on the hypothalamus to increase appetite?
Ghrelin.
What is leptin?
Leptin is a hormone released by adipocytes (fat cells) that acts in the hypothalamus to decrease appetite and increase energy expenditure.
Where does leptin act in the brain?
Leptin acts in the hypothalamus.
What happens when leptin levels elevate?
Inhibition of starvation mode
What happens when leptin levels decrease?
Body goes into starvation mode
What is the function of the lateral hypothalamus when leptin levels decrease?
Stimulate feeding.
What is the effect of the lateral hypothalamus on the secretion of hypophysiotopic hormones?
Inhibit secretion of hypophysiotopic hormones.
What is the effect of the lateral hypothalamus on metabolism when leptin levels decrease?
Decreasing metabolism.
What are the cell groups present in the lateral hypothalamus?
MCH (melanin-concentrating hormone) neurons and Orexin neurons.
What is the target of leptin-sensitive cells in the arcuate nucleus?
MCH and Orexin neurons.
What is the function of MCH neurons in the lateral hypothalamus?
Continuation of eating and informing cortex of leptin levels to help coordinate goal-directed behavior related to food.
What is the function of Orexin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus?
Promotes meal initiation and promotes dopamine release in reward/reinforcement pathways.
What is the role of ghrelin in short-term regulation of feeding behavior?
Ghrelin is a short-term signal that is important for meal initiation and acts as an appetite stimulant.
