Which hormone, released by the stomach, signals the brain to initiate eating?
Answer
Ghrelin
Ghrelin is specifically identified as the 'hunger hormone' within the complex system of appetite regulation. This peptide hormone is secreted by the stomach when energy stores are perceived to be low or when food intake is due. Upon release, ghrelin travels through the bloodstream to the brain, where it signals the need to initiate the eating process, thereby stimulating appetite. This contrasts with hormones like leptin, which are secreted by fat cells to signal long-term energy storage levels and suppress appetite when those stores are sufficient.
Related Questions
What distinguishes the fundamental term appetite from simple physical need?How is hunger primarily characterized in contrast to appetite?What primarily drives appetite frequently categorized as hedonic?What role does the hypothalamus play in appetite regulatory systems?Which hormone, released by the stomach, signals the brain to initiate eating?Why can appetite persist even when a person is physically full?How do sensory cues like the aroma of baking bread influence eating behavior?Which self-assessment question tests if the desire is for food or a specific treat?What is the Latin root word for appetite, meaning 'desire' or 'inclination'?What term is used clinically for the severe loss of desire to eat during cancer treatment?