Roles of Leptin and Ghrelin in Hunger Regulation

Medium Unit 7: Motivation, Emotion, Personality Hunger And Eating

Many theories have been proposed to explain the physiological and psychological factors that regulate hunger and eating behaviors. One theory that has gained significant attention is the Dual-Center Theory, which posits the existence of two specific areas in the hypothalamus that control hunger and satiety. According to this theory, one area stimulates feeding behavior while the other inhibits it.

When considering the impact of hormonal signals on hunger regulation, one important hormone released by adipose (fat) tissue is leptin. Leptin is known to play a key role in signaling to the brain about the body's fat stores, thereby influencing feelings of hunger. Conversely, another hormone, ghrelin, is produced in the stomach and is often referred to as the 'hunger hormone' because it stimulates appetite.

Based on this information, which of the following best describes the roles of leptin and ghrelin in hunger regulation?

Leptin decreases hunger, while ghrelin increases hunger.

Both leptin and ghrelin work to increase hunger equally.

Leptin increases hunger, while ghrelin decreases hunger.

Leptin has no effect on hunger, while ghrelin decreases hunger.

Leptin and ghrelin both inhibit feeding behavior.

Hint

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