Which gastrointestinal hormone increases appetite and stimulates growth hormone release from the anterior pituitary?

Prepare for the eatrightPREP Domain 2 Test. Study with interactive flashcards and detailed multiple-choice questions. Aim for a high score with comprehensive hints and explanations.

Multiple Choice

Which gastrointestinal hormone increases appetite and stimulates growth hormone release from the anterior pituitary?

Explanation:
Ghrelin, produced mainly by the stomach, acts as a hunger signal and as a growth hormone secretagogue. Its levels rise before meals, promoting increased appetite by signaling the hypothalamus to activate neurons that drive feeding. At the same time, ghrelin binds to receptors on pituitary cells and stimulates the release of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary. The other GI hormones listed either suppress appetite or regulate digestion without prompting GH release, so they don’t fit the dual role described.

Ghrelin, produced mainly by the stomach, acts as a hunger signal and as a growth hormone secretagogue. Its levels rise before meals, promoting increased appetite by signaling the hypothalamus to activate neurons that drive feeding. At the same time, ghrelin binds to receptors on pituitary cells and stimulates the release of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary. The other GI hormones listed either suppress appetite or regulate digestion without prompting GH release, so they don’t fit the dual role described.

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