Ghrelin (Noun)
Meaning
A gastrointestinal hormone produced by epithelial cells lining the fundus of the stomach; appears to be a stimulant for appetite and feeding, but is also a strong stimulant of growth hormone secretion from the anterior pituitary.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- Ghrelin is a hormone produced in the gastrointestinal tract that stimulates appetite and increases food intake.
- The levels of ghrelin in the bloodstream typically peak before meals and decrease after eating.
- Research has shown that ghrelin not only stimulates appetite but also plays a role in regulating energy balance and body weight.
- Ghrelin has been found to stimulate the secretion of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland, which can have effects on growth and development.
- The discovery of ghrelin has led to a greater understanding of the complex hormonal mechanisms that regulate appetite and metabolism.