Brain Circuit Mechanism to Survive Hunger (IMAGE)

Nagoya University

Brain Circuit Mechanism to Survive Hunger

Caption

The empty stomach releases the hormone called ghrelin. By receiving ghrelin, the hypothalamus in the brain senses hunger and produces 'hunger signaling' through the action of neuropeptide Y (NPY). The hunger signaling activates neurons in the reticular formation of the medulla oblongata, which then inhibit sympathetic output to reduce metabolic heat production and simultaneously provide masticatory motor rhythm to facilitate feeding.

Credit

Yoshiko Nakamura

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