Ingestive Behaviors and Digestion

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to ingestive behaviors and digestion as discussed in the lecture.

Set Point Theory

A theory suggesting that the body maintains a certain weight or level of nutrients like a thermostat regulates temperature.

Bolus

A mass of food that has been chewed and moistened, ready to be swallowed.

Chyme

The mixture of bolus and stomach juices that occurs in the stomach during digestion.

Pepsin

An enzyme in the stomach that helps to break down proteins.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY)

A neuropeptide that triggers eating behaviors and is abundant in the brain.

Leptin

A hormone produced by fat cells that helps regulate energy balance and inhibits hunger.

Glucostatic Theory

A theory stating that blood glucose levels are the most important hunger cue.

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

A digestive hormone that is released in the small intestine and inhibits hunger.

Osmometric Thirst

Thirst that is triggered by the movement of water in and out of cells.

Volumetric Thirst

Thirst that is associated with the volume of extracellular fluid.

Lamina Terminalis

A brain structure that helps monitor fluid levels in the body.

Hypothalamus

A brain region that plays a key role in regulating hunger, thirst, and various homeostatic processes.

Peristalsis

The series of wave-like muscle contractions that move food along the digestive tract.

Satiety

The feeling of fullness and satisfaction after eating.

Insulin

A hormone that lowers blood glucose levels and can increase the urge to eat when injected.

Ghrelin

A hormone that increases hunger and is secreted primarily by the stomach.