Glucose Regulation, Energy Storage, and Nervous System Function

These flashcards cover key concepts related to glucose regulation, energy storage, metabolic rates, diabetes, and aspects of the nervous system's functions.

What is the primary energy source for the nervous system?

Glucose.

What are the two main locations where glucose is stored in the body?

1. Blood 2. Cells

What process assembles excess glucose into glycogen in the body?

Glycogenesis.

What is the process called when glycogen is broken down into glucose?

Glycogenolysis.

What is gluconeogenesis?

The process of synthesizing new glucose from proteins and fats.

What hormone lowers blood sugar levels by moving glucose into cells?

Insulin.

What is the name of the hormone that raises blood sugar levels?

Glucagon.

What are the main energy storage molecules in the body?

Glycogen (short-term) and triglycerides (fat, long-term).

How does the body maintain blood glucose levels during fasting?

By breaking down glycogen into glucose and synthesizing new glucose through gluconeogenesis.

What role does oxygen play in cellular respiration?

It is used at the end of the electron transport chain to produce ATP.

What is the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)?

The metabolic rate of a person who is awake, lying down, relaxed, and fasted for ~12 hours.

What factors can influence metabolic rate?

Muscular activity, age, gender, body size, hormone levels, genetics, and environmental temperature.

What is hyperglycemia?

Fasting blood glucose greater than 140 mg/dL, which may indicate diabetes mellitus.

What is hypoglycemia?

Fasting blood glucose less than 60 mg/dL, which is dangerous for CNS function.

What happens to blood glucose levels when insulin is released?

Blood glucose levels decrease as insulin moves glucose from the blood into cells.

What is the function of epinephrine in relation to blood glucose?

It raises blood glucose levels during stress by suppressing insulin and stimulating glucagon.

What are the two types of diabetes mentioned?

Type 1 Diabetes (Juvenile-Onset) and Type 2 Diabetes (Adult-Onset).

What effect does obesity have on Type 2 Diabetes?

Obesity leads to insulin resistance, causing glucose to remain in the blood instead of entering cells.

What determines whether the body gains or loses weight?

The balance between energy input (calories consumed) and energy output (calories used).

What is Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)?

A mechanism for learning and memory that increases synaptic efficiency.

What are the two types of memory mentioned?

Nondeclarative (implicit) and declarative (explicit) memory.

Which brain areas are associated with speech production and language comprehension?

Broca's area (speech production) and Wernicke's area (language comprehension).