Gastrointestinal hormone

Gastrointestinal hormones (pronunciation: gas-tro-in-tes-ti-nal hor-mones) are a group of hormones that regulate the functions of the gastrointestinal tract. These hormones are produced by cells lining the gastrointestinal tract and have a significant role in controlling digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Etymology

The term 'gastrointestinal' is derived from the Greek words 'gaster' (stomach) and 'enteron' (intestine), while 'hormone' comes from the Greek word 'hormon' meaning 'to set in motion'.

Types of Gastrointestinal Hormones

There are several types of gastrointestinal hormones, including:

Gastrin: This hormone stimulates the secretion of gastric acid by the gastric glands in the stomach.
Secretin: Secretin stimulates the pancreas to release a juice that is rich in bicarbonate ions. It neutralizes the acidity of the chyme.
Cholecystokinin (CCK): This hormone stimulates the gallbladder to release bile, and also signals the stomach to slow down the churning in order to process the chyme at a suitable rate.
Ghrelin: Known as the hunger hormone, it stimulates appetite, increases food intake and promotes fat storage.
Peptide YY (PYY): This hormone reduces appetite and food intake.

Function

Gastrointestinal hormones are responsible for the regulation of the gastrointestinal tract. They control various functions such as the release of digestive enzymes, regulation of gastric acid secretion, gallbladder contraction, and regulation of blood glucose levels.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Gastrointestinal hormone
Wikipedia's article - Gastrointestinal hormone

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Gastrointestinal hormone