hunger

Hunger

A drive state that motivates behaviors to restore homeostasis in response to low glucose levels.

Insulin

A hormone secreted by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels.

Leptin

A hormone secreted by fat cells that increases metabolism and decreases hunger when abundant.

Orexin

A hunger-triggering hormone produced by the hypothalamus.

Ghrelin

A hormone secreted by an empty stomach that signals hunger.

Obestatin

A hormone secreted by the digestive tract that signals fullness.

PYY

A hormone secreted by the intestines that signals 'I'm not hungry'.

Set point

The weight thermostat that regulates body weight; below this point, hunger increases and metabolism decreases.

Lateral hypothalamus (LH)

The 'on' button for eating; lesions in this area reduce hunger.

Ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH)

The 'off' button for eating; lesions in this area result in lack of fullness.

Basal metabolic rate

The body's resting rate of energy expenditure.

Anorexia nervosa

An eating disorder where a person diets and remains significantly underweight while feeling fat.

Bulimia nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging behaviors.

Binge-eating disorder

An eating disorder involving significant binge episodes without compensatory behaviors.

Obesity

A disorder defined by excessive overweight, typically with a BMI over 30.

Sexual response cycle

The four stages of sexual activity: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.