Control of Energy Balance, Metabolic Rate, and Body Temperature

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to energy balance, metabolic rate, and body temperature regulation.

Metabolism

All the bodily activities and chemical reactions in an organism that maintain life.

Metabolic Rate

The rate at which an organism uses energy to power bodily activities.

Absorptive Phase

The phase when ingested nutrients enter the bloodstream from the alimentary canal.

Postabsorptive Phase

The phase when the alimentary canal is empty and the body's stored energy is used.

Glucose

The chief monomer absorbed during the absorptive phase; major energy source.

Glycogen

The storage form of glucose primarily found in the liver and muscles.

Triglycerides

Form of fat storage composed of glycerol and fatty acids.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins, taken up by all body cells.

Glycogenolysis

The process of hydrolyzing glycogen into glucose in the liver.

Gluconeogenesis

The synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources in the liver.

Lipolysis

The breakdown of triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels.

GLUT Proteins

Transporters that facilitate glucose movement across cell membranes.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment within the body.

Satiety

The state of being satisfactorily full or unable to take on any more food.

Leptin

A hormone produced in adipose tissue that regulates appetite and energy balance.

Hypoglycemia

A condition of having too low levels of glucose in the blood.

Endotherms

Animals that generate their own heat and maintain stable body temperatures.

Ectotherms

Animals whose body temperature varies with the temperature of their environment.

Thermoneutral Zone

The range of ambient temperatures at which the metabolic rate is minimized.

Countercurrent Heat Exchange

The transfer of heat between fluids flowing in opposite directions to retain heat.

Evaporative Heat Loss

Loss of heat due to the evaporation of water from the body's surface.

Brown Adipose Tissue

Adipose tissue that generates heat by increasing the metabolic rate.

Obesity

Excess body fat that increases the risk of diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

A measure of body fat based on height and weight.

Food-Induced Thermogenesis

The increase in metabolic rate after eating due to the digestion process.

CNS

Central Nervous System; it primarily uses glucose for energy.