Physiology of Behavior: Ingestive Behavior

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to ingestive behavior and metabolism based on the physiology of behavior.

Ingestive Behavior

Behaviors related to drinking and eating that are engaged to maintain proper levels of water and nutrients in the body.

Homeostasis

The process of maintaining proper internal balance of water and nutrient levels in the body.

Regulatory Mechanism

The feedback mechanisms that determine when ingestive behaviors are initiated and terminated.

System Variable

The variable that is being regulated, such as the amount of water in the body.

Set Point

The optimal value for the system variable that the body tries to maintain.

Detector

An entity that monitors the level of the system variable and sends feedback signals.

Correctional Mechanism

The process that restores the system to the set point when it deviates from it.

Ghrelin

A peptide hormone released from the stomach that stimulates eating and activates hunger receptors in the hypothalamus.

Satiety Signals

Biological signals that indicate fullness and serve to stop eating.

Leptin

A peptide hormone released from fat cells that regulates energy balance and is associated with long-term satiety.

Orexigenic Peptides

Neuropeptides that stimulate hunger, such as Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and Agouti-related Protein (AgRP).

Anorexigenic Peptides

Neuropeptides that inhibit hunger, such as CART and alpha-MSH.

NEAT (Nonexercise Activity Thermogenesis)

Caloric expenditure from activities not formally classified as exercise, including fidgeting.

Bariatric Surgery

Surgical interventions that reduce food intake by modifying the stomach or intestines.

Bulimia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors.

Binge-Eating Disorder

An eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating without compensatory behaviors.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder involving restricted eating, extreme fear of gaining weight, and distorted perception of body weight.