Orexin

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Orexin

Orexin (pronounced: /ɔːˈrɛksɪn/), also known as hypocretin, is a neuropeptide that regulates arousal, wakefulness, and appetite. The most common form of this peptide in the human body is Orexin-A and Orexin-B.

Etymology

The term "orexin" originates from the Greek word orexis, meaning "appetite". It was named by its discoverers, who identified it as a peptide that stimulates feeding behavior.

Function

Orexin is produced by the hypothalamus, a small region of the brain that controls many different functions. It is involved in the regulation of feeding behavior, sleep-wake cycle, and energy expenditure.

Orexin neurons have a strong excitatory effect on the brain, and they are necessary for maintaining wakefulness. A lack of orexin can lead to narcolepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep paralysis, and in some cases cataplexy.

Related Terms

  • Neuropeptide: Any of a group of compounds that serve as neurotransmitters.
  • Hypothalamus: A region of the brain that controls a wide range of functions, including hunger, sleep, and body temperature.
  • Narcolepsy: A neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep paralysis, and in some cases cataplexy.

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