Master the Biology Bash: 2026 MCAT Biological Systems Practice Challenge!

Question: 1 / 400

Ghrelin is secreted by the gastric cells to:

Reduce appetite

Stimulate appetite

Ghrelin is known as the "hunger hormone" and plays a significant role in regulating appetite. It is primarily secreted by gastric cells when the stomach is empty, signaling to the brain that the body needs food. This process stimulates appetite, making individuals feel hungry and encouraging them to seek out and consume food.

The secretion of ghrelin increases before meals and decreases after eating, reinforcing its role in hunger regulation. Understanding this mechanism can help clarify how various hormones influence eating behaviors and metabolic processes. This aspect of ghrelin's function is crucial in the context of weight management and obesity, as disruptions in ghrelin signaling can lead to changes in appetite and food intake.

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Regulate metabolism

Increase energy expenditure

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