Ghrelin, often termed the 'hunger hormone,' is primarily produced by the stomach (especially when empty) and to a lesser extent by other parts of the gut and pancreas. Its main function is to signal hunger to the brain, specifically by stimulating neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus that increase appetite and food-seeking behavior. Ghrelin levels rise sharply before meals and fall rapidly after eating. In addition to stimulating appetite, ghrelin promotes gastric motility and acid secretion, preparing the digestive system for food intake. It also has effects on growth hormone release, glucose metabolism, and reward pathways. Ghrelin's action opposes that of leptin (the satiety hormone) and peptide YY (PYY). Understanding ghrelin is important in the context of obesity, anorexia, and eating disorders.

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Zambia

• Joseph Soko – 101 pts

• Visual Pathway Lesions
• Positive and Negative Symptoms
• Hallucinations and Delusions
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Emergency: Environmental Emergencies