Figure 34.3
The appetite hormones
  • Ghrelin: Hormone secreted by empty stomach; sends “I’m hungry” signals to the brain.
  • Insulin: Hormone secreted by pancreas; controls blood glucose.
  • Leptin: Protein hormone secreted by fat cells; when abundant, causes brain to increase metabolism and decrease hunger.
  • Orexin: Hunger-triggering hormone secreted by hypothalamus.
  • PYY: Digestive tract hormone; sends “I’m not hungry” signals to the brain.