Library · Physiology
How hunger is regulated
Make it clearer
The hypothalamus, a small area at the base of the brain, is key to appetite and to energy expenditure. Inside it sits a group of neurons, the arcuate nucleus, which is exposed to the hormones that can cross the blood-brain barrier, the filter that separates the blood from the brain.
That same nucleus holds two opposing systems, meaning systems that pull in opposite directions. Some neurons make proopiomelanocortin and suppress appetite; others make neuropeptide Y and stimulate it. Think of two switches on the same panel: one turns appetite on, the other turns it off.
The digestive tract also sends signals of its own. The lining of the empty stomach, its inner layer, secretes ghrelin, and eating suppresses that release. After a meal the intestine releases cholecystokinin, and peptide YY made by its L cells suppresses appetite.
In brief
The hypothalamus is key to appetite and energy expenditure; its arcuate nucleus is exposed to hormones that cross the blood-brain barrier.
Two opposing systems sit there: some neurons make proopiomelanocortin, which suppresses appetite, and others neuropeptide Y, which stimulates it.
Two switches on the same panel: one turns appetite on, the other turns it off.
The lining of the empty stomach secretes ghrelin, and eating suppresses its release.
After a meal, the intestine releases cholecystokinin, and peptide YY from its L cells suppresses appetite.
Sources (1)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, StatPearls PublishingPhysiology, Appetite And Weight Regulation, StatPearlsPublished
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated