What Causes Emotional and Motivated Behavior?

These flashcards cover key terms related to motivated behavior, hormonal regulation of appetite, and related neural mechanisms.

Motivated Behavior

Behavior driven by the stimulation from internal needs (like hunger and thirst) or external stimuli (such as social interactions and rewards).

Survival-motivated action

Actions motivated by physiological needs aimed at maintaining homeostasis, such as eating when hungry.

Goal-motivated action

Actions driven by the pursuit of rewards, involving pleasure or social recognition.

Hypothalamus

A brain region that integrates various inputs, controls hormone release, and regulates the autonomic nervous system.

Ghrelin

A hormone that signals hunger; released from the stomach when it is empty.

Leptin

A hormone that signals fullness; produced by fat cells and helps to regulate energy balance.

Insulin

A hormone that regulates blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.

POMC neurons

Neurons in the hypothalamus that, when activated by leptin, help to suppress appetite.

NPY/AgRP neurons

Neurons activated by ghrelin that stimulate appetite and increase food intake.

MC4R receptor

A receptor in the brain that plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and energy balance.

Setmelanotide (Imcivree)

A treatment that activates the MC4R pathway to suppress appetite in individuals with specific genetic conditions.