[19] The Role of Hormones in Thermogenesis

Question 1

What is thermogenesis?

Answer 1

It is the process of heat production in organisms, often related to metabolic reactions.

Question 2

How do hormones influence thermogenesis?

Answer 2

They regulate metabolic processes that generate heat.

Question 3

What role does the thyroid hormone play in thermogenesis?

Answer 3

It increases the metabolic rate and promotes heat production.

Question 4

What are the main thyroid hormones?

Answer 4

• Triiodothyronine (T3)
• Thyroxine (T4)

Question 5

What is the function of Triiodothyronine (T3)?

Answer 5

It plays a key role in body’s metabolism, growth, and temperature regulation.

Question 6

What is the function of Thyroxine (T4)?

Answer 6

It increases rate of metabolic reactions in body, increases rate of protein synthesis, and influences growth and development.

Question 7

What role does adrenaline play in thermogenesis?

Answer 7

Adrenaline increases metabolic rate and heat production during periods of stress or cold exposure.

Question 8

What is the function of adrenaline?

Answer 8

It prepares the body for “fight or flight” response by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolic rate.

Question 9

What is non-shivering thermogenesis?

Answer 9

It is heat production without muscular activity, primarily through chemical reactions in brown fat.

Question 10

How do thyroid hormones and adrenaline influence non-shivering thermogenesis?

Answer 10

They stimulate the breakdown of fat in brown adipose tissue, increasing metabolic activity and heat production.

Question 11

What is the role of leptin in thermogenesis?

Answer 11

Leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells, increases energy expenditure and promotes thermogenesis.

Question 12

What is brown adipose tissue (BAT)?

Answer 12

BAT is a type of fat tissue that’s specialized in generating heat and burning calories.

Question 13

How does BAT contribute to thermogenesis?

Answer 13

BAT generates heat by burning calories in response to cold exposure or diet, a process regulated by hormones.

Question 14

How does insulin influence thermogenesis?

Answer 14

Insulin, a hormone regulating glucose levels, can modulate thermogenesis by influencing metabolism and energy expenditure.

Question 15

What hormones are involved in thermoregulation during exercise?

Answer 15

Adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol increase metabolic rate and thus heat production during physical activity.

Question 16

What is the role of cortisol in thermogenesis?

Answer 16

Cortisol, a stress hormone, can influence metabolic rate and contribute to thermogenesis.

Question 17

How does the body’s hormone regulation change in response to prolonged cold exposure?

Answer 17

Prolonged cold exposure can lead to increased levels of thermogenic hormones (like adrenaline and thyroid hormones) to boost heat production.

Question 18

How does the body’s hormone regulation change in response to overeating?

Answer 18

Overeating can stimulate the release of hormones like insulin and leptin, which can increase thermogenesis and energy expenditure to help manage body weight.

Question 19

Can thermogenic hormone levels be influenced by lifestyle factors?

Answer 19

Yes, factors like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress levels can influence the levels of thermogenic hormones in the body.

Question 20

What is the potential impact of dysregulated thermogenic hormones on health?

Answer 20

Dysregulated thermogenic hormones can lead to issues like impaired thermoregulation, obesity, or metabolic disorders.