Energy homeostasis
Energy Homeostasis
Energy homeostasis (pronunciation: /ˈɛnərdʒi hoʊmiːəˈsteɪsɪs/) is a biological process that involves the regulation of energy intake and expenditure to maintain an organism's energy balance.
Etymology
The term "energy homeostasis" is derived from the Greek words "energeia" meaning activity, operation, and "homoiostasis" meaning steadiness.
Definition
Energy homeostasis is the balance of energy intake (food consumed) and energy expenditure (energy used by the body for daily activities). This balance is crucial for maintaining a healthy body weight and overall health. Disruptions in energy homeostasis can lead to conditions such as obesity or malnutrition.
Mechanisms
Energy homeostasis is regulated by a complex network of signals from the central nervous system and peripheral organs. The hypothalamus in the brain plays a key role in this process, receiving signals about energy status from hormones such as leptin and ghrelin.
Related Terms
- Leptin: A hormone that regulates energy balance by inhibiting hunger.
- Ghrelin: A hormone that stimulates appetite, increases food intake and promotes fat storage.
- Hypothalamus: A region of the brain that plays a key role in many essential functions, including energy homeostasis.
- Obesity: A medical condition characterized by excess body fat, often caused by an imbalance in energy homeostasis.
- Malnutrition: A condition that results from eating a diet in which one or more nutrients are either not enough or are too much such that it causes health problems.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Energy homeostasis
- Wikipedia's article - Energy homeostasis
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