Unit 8 Module 38 (Hunger motivation)

Glucose

the form of sugar that circulates in the blood and provides the major source of energy for body tissues. When its level is low, we feel hunger.

Set point

the point at which an individual's "weight thermostat" is supposedly set. When the body falls below this weight, an increase in hunger and a lowered metabolic rate may act to restore the lost weight.

basal metabolic rate

the body's resting rate of energy output

Ghrelin

hormone secreted by empty stomach; sends "I'm hungry" signals to the brain

Insulin

secreted by pancreas; controls blood glucose

Orexin

hunger-triggering hormone secreted by hypothalamus

Leptin

protein hormone secreted by fat cells; when abundant, causes brain to increase metabolism and decrease hunger

PYY

digestive tract hormone; tells brain "I'm not hungry"