Definition

Noun: A hormone produced primarily in the stomach. It is known for stimulating appetite and promoting food intake. Additionally, it acts as a potent stimulator for the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland in the brain.

Usage

This is a scientific and medical term used to discuss physiology, metabolism, hunger regulation, and endocrine function. * The level of ghrelin in the blood typically increases before meals and decreases after eating. * Researchers are studying how ghrelin signals hunger to the brain. * The hormone ghrelin has a dual role in regulating both appetite and growth.

Advanced Usage

• "Ghrelin response": Refers to how the secretion or level of this hormone changes in reaction to specific stimuli, such as fasting, feeding, or certain nutrients.
• "Ghrelin receptor": The specific molecule on the surface of a cell that ghrelin binds to in order to exert its effects.

Variants and Related Words

• Ghrelinergic (adj): Relating to or involving the action of ghrelin. (e.g., ).
• Acyl-ghrelin: The active form of the hormone that can bind to its receptor.
• Des-acyl ghrelin: An alternative form of the molecule whose functions are still being researched.

Synonyms

• Hunger hormone (informal/common name)
• Lenomorelin (a synthetic analogue used in research)

Different Meanings

This word has a single, specific meaning in human physiology and endocrinology. It does not have common alternative definitions in general English.

Related Phrases/Concepts

• Appetite regulation: The biological process controlling hunger and satiety, in which ghrelin is a key player.
• Orexigenic: A term describing a substance that stimulates appetite. Ghrelin is an orexigenic hormone.
• Anorexigenic: The opposite of orexigenic; describing a substance that suppresses appetite (e.g., leptin).

Noun

1. a gastrointestinal hormone produced by epithelial cells lining the fundus of the stomach; appears to be a stimulant for appetite and feeding, but is also a strong stimulant of growth hormone secretion from the anterior pituitary