What is glycogen?
A polysaccharide stored in liver and muscle as short-term energy
Memory trick: “Glyco = Glue – sticks sugar together for storage”
What is the role of insulin?
A pancreatic hormone that allows glucose and amino acids into cells and stores energy
Memory trick: “Insulin INvites glucose IN”
What does glucagon do?
A hormone that converts glycogen back into glucose during fasting
Memory trick: “Gluca-GONE are the stores → make more sugar!”
What is a triglyceride?
Form of fat storage in adipose tissue made of glycerol and three fatty acids
Memory trick: “Tri = three fatty friends plus glycerol again”
What is glycerol derived from?
Fat breakdown and can turn into glucose
Memory trick: “Glycerol goes to glucose”
What are fatty acids used for?
Fuel from fat breakdown used by most cells except the brain
Memory trick: “Fatty fuels the flesh”
What is the absorptive phase?
After eating – nutrients absorbed and stored
Memory trick: “A = After eating = Absorptive”
What is the fasting phase?
When no food is available – body uses stored energy
Memory trick: “F = Food gone = Fasting”
What is glucoprivation?
Low glucose available to cells
Memory trick: “Gluco low → go eat yo!”
What is lipoprivation?
Low fatty acids available
Memory trick: “Lipo = fat; privation = none; fat’s gone → eat on!”
What is the duodenum?
First part of small intestine; senses food arrival
Memory trick: “Duodenum = ‘do you know’ food arrived?”
What does cholecystokinin (CCK) do?
Hormone from duodenum that signals fullness to the brain via vagus nerve
Memory trick: “CCK = Cut the Cake K! I’m Full Today!”
What is peptide YY3-36 (PYY)?
Peptide released after eating that reduces appetite
Memory trick: “PYY = Put Your Yum away”
What is the function of leptin?
Hormone from fat cells that decreases eating and raises metabolism
Memory trick: “Leptin lets you leave the lunch”
What role does insulin play in appetite?
Tells the brain blood sugar levels
Memory trick: “Insulin informs the inside”
What is ghrelin known as?
Hunger hormone from stomach
Memory trick: “Ghrelin = Growlin’ tummy”
What does the arcuate nucleus control?
Hunger and metabolism
Memory trick: “Arcuate = Appetite Arcade”
What does the paraventricular nucleus control?
Autonomic and pituitary functions
Memory trick: “Para = Pair with pituitary”
What is the function of the VMH (Ventromedial Hypothalamus)?
Satiety center; lesion causes overeating
Memory trick: “VMH = Very Much Hungry if damaged”
What is the role of the LH (Lateral Hypothalamus)?
Feeding center; lesion causes loss of eating
Memory trick: “Lateral = Lunch Hub”
What does neuropeptide Y (NPY) do?
Increases hunger, reduces metabolism
Memory trick: “NPY = Need Pie, Yes!”
What is the function of agouti-related peptide (AgRP)?
Increases eating; antagonist to MC-4 receptor
Memory trick: “AgRP = Appetite grows Really Powerful”
What does orexin (Hypocretin) stimulate?
Eating and wakefulness
Memory trick: “Orexin = Overeating + Awake”
What does melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) promote?
Hunger, lowers metabolism
Memory trick: “MCH = Must Consume Heavily”
