Hormonal control of energy metabolism

These flashcards cover key definitions and concepts related to hormonal control of energy metabolism, diabetes, and metabolic processes.

Insulin

A hormone that stimulates glucose uptake by cells and promotes glycogenesis.

Glucagon

A hormone that stimulates glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to increase blood glucose levels.

Epinephrine

A hormone that stimulates lipolysis and glycogenolysis, often associated with the fight-or-flight response.

Cortisol

A hormone that promotes gluconeogenesis and protein breakdown during stress.

Growth Hormone

A hormone that stimulates protein synthesis and increases lipolysis.

Glycogen synthesis

The process of converting glucose to glycogen for storage.

Lipid synthesis

The process of creating lipids from fatty acids and glycerol.

Protein synthesis

The formation of proteins from amino acids.

Glycogenolysis

The breakdown of glycogen to glucose.

Gluconeogenesis

The synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources.

Lipolysis

The breakdown of lipids into free fatty acids and glycerol.

Ketogenesis

The production of ketone bodies from fatty acids during fasting.

Proteolysis

The breakdown of proteins into amino acids.

Anabolic state

A metabolic state characterized by the building of complex molecules from simpler ones, typically following a meal.

Catabolic state

A metabolic state characterized by the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, typically during fasting.

Counter-regulatory hormones

Hormones that counteract the effects of insulin, helping to raise blood glucose levels during hypoglycemia.

Diabetes mellitus

A metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose due to defects in insulin secretion or action.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

A form of diabetes caused by the autoimmune destruction of insulin-secreting beta cells in the pancreas.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

A form of diabetes characterized by insulin resistance and eventual loss of insulin secretion.

Hypoglycemia

A condition in which blood glucose levels are abnormally low, often leading to various symptoms.

Hyperglycemia

A condition characterized by abnormally high blood glucose levels.

Whipple's triad

Criteria for diagnosing symptomatic hypoglycemia, including low plasma glucose, symptoms of hypoglycemia, and relief after glucose intake.

Fasting state

The metabolic state of the body when it is not receiving food intake, leading to the consumption of stored energy.

Fed state

The metabolic state of the body following meals, where nutrients are absorbed and metabolized.

Adipose tissue

Body fat used as a storage site for energy and production of hormones.

Liver

An organ that plays a central role in metabolism, including regulating blood glucose levels.

Muscle

Tissue that utilizes glucose and fatty acids for energy, plays a role in glucose homeostasis.

Hyperinsulinaemia

An abnormally high level of insulin in the blood, often associated with insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance

A condition where cells fail to respond properly to insulin, leading to high blood glucose levels.

Glycerol

A component of triglycerides that can be converted into glucose during gluconeogenesis.

Fatty acids

Components of lipids that can be utilized as an energy source during fasting.

Ketone bodies

Metabolic products of fat breakdown that can serve as an alternative energy source for the brain during fasting.

Molecular mechanism

Detailed processes by which hormones exert their effects on metabolism at the cellular level.

C-peptide

A peptide released during the processing of proinsulin, used as a marker for insulin production.

Gluconeogenic precursors

Substances like lactate and amino acids that can be converted into glucose.

Glycemic control

Management of blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes.

Euglycemia

Normal levels of glucose in the blood.

Lipid metabolism

The processes involved in the synthesis and breakdown of fats in the body.

Protein-catabolism

The breakdown of proteins into amino acids.

Hormonal signaling

The process by which hormones communicate and regulate metabolic pathways in the body.

Serum albumin

A protein in the blood that transports fatty acids and many other substances.

CNS (Central Nervous System)

Part of the nervous system that processes and integrates sensory information and controls bodily functions.

Transport of glucose

The process by which glucose is moved from the blood into cells.

Starvation

A state of prolonged fasting leading to severe malnutrition and physiological changes in energy metabolism.

Fatty liver

A condition where excess fat builds up in the liver, commonly associated with obesity and insulin resistance.

Incretins

Hormones that increase insulin secretion in response to meals.

Glycemic index

A measure of how quickly foods raise blood glucose levels compared to glucose.

Hormonal adaptation

Alterations in hormone levels and responsiveness that occur in response to nutritional or metabolic changes.

Insulin's anabolic effects

The processes by which insulin promotes storage of glucose, fat, and protein in body tissues.

Diabetes complications

Long-term health issues arising from poorly controlled diabetes, affecting various organs.