MCAT Guide

Orexin, Glucagon, and Gherlin are hormons that contribute to the feeling of hunger

Orexin, also known as hypocretin, is produced in the hypothalamus and is involved in the promotion of wakefulness and appetite. It stimulates feeding behavior and energy expenditure, helping to maintain energy balance. G

lucagon, a hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas, plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism. It raises blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in the liver, counteracting the effects of insulin.

Ghrelin, often referred to as the "hunger hormone," is secreted primarily by the stomach and stimulates appetite. It signals hunger to the brain and has been implicated in weight regulation and the timing of meals. Together, these hormones contribute to the complex mechanisms that control feeding behaviors and energy homeostasis in humans.