PSYCH 1XX3 Chapter 9: 9. Hunger and the Chemical Senses
14 Aug 2020
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Document Summary
Food used to be scarce, so behaviours were motivated by the constant need to obtain energy/nutrients. Smell is just as important as taste in guiding feeding behaviour. Many signals and complex interactions between the brain and digestive system that drive feelings of hunger, and satiety signals to get you to stop. Unlike other organs/tissues, the brain can"t use fat energy stores for fuel. Thus the regulation of glucose is a top priority. Blood glucose levels regulate feelings of hunger and satiation. The body stores glucose as glycogen, which is released in-between meals. Some glycogen is stored in the muscles, but most is stored in the liver, where it can be readily converted back to glucose when blood glucose levels are low. Glucose-glycogen balance is maintained mostly by the liver and insulin (a pancreatic hormone) Cycle: liver and pancreas buffer extreme swings in blood glucose levels. Pancreas secretes insulin to promote uptake of glucose by cells:
