Energy and Homeostasis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Energy and Homeostasis - Research Paper Example The lipostatic model is concerned with the fat molecules in the body that determine the need of food and energy, and its regulation. The intake and termination of meal may be dependent on several internal and external factors that are studied as the signals. The number and quantity of meals generally depend and vary with different species of animals. It is not fixed and different species have different mechanisms that trigger the need for food intake and how they maintain their balance of energy (Woods et al, 1998, pp.1378-1382). The neurohumoral system is mostly responsible for the process of energy homeostasis in the body. Hormones play a major role in this regard. The central nervous system (CNS) of the body has direct effects on the balance of energy in response to the fat molecules within a body. Leptin and insulin are two major signals that function in association with the CNS. The catabolic response to leptin administration in the body determines the gain or loss in weight as well, along with the rates of metabolism. Considering the central effector pathways, the study reveals that the regulation of energy homeostasis is largely dependent on the hypothalamus containing neuroal systems. Depending on the level of fat, pathways like ARC-PVN NPY might be activated. Also, hormones such as glucocorticoid might be secreted in the process as an effect of NPY. Considering the central catabolic systems, the expression of proopiomelanocortin genes is restricted for ARC neurons that lead to parts necessary for en ergy homeostasis. Thus melanocortins have a significant role to play in the process of regulation (Woods et al, 1998, pp.1378-1382). The corticotrophin releasing hormone is also another highly essential component of the process of energy homeostasis in the body. Food intake may be reduced with the implication of this hormone thus leading to loss of body weight. Also, these hormones may have a direct linkage