Question

What are the 3 major hormones that regulate digestion?

Answer 1

Digestion and hormones involved:

1. Digestion is the complicated process of breaking down food into nutrients, which the body uses for energy, development, and cell repair.
2. The digesting process also produces waste, which must be removed.
3. Three major hormones involved in digestion are:
   1. Gastrin: Gastrin is a peptide hormone that stimulates gastric mucosal development, motility, and the release of hydrochloric acid (HCl) into the stomach. The presence of specific nutrients in the stomach lumen, particularly peptides, certain amino acids, and calcium, is the major trigger for gastrin release.
   2. Motilin: Motilin is a hormone produced by entero-endocrine cells (Mo cells) in the upper small intestine that is released cyclically during fasting. It promotes gall bladder emptying, increased pancreatic insulin release, GI tract motility, and increased appetite.
   3. Cholecystokinin: CCK is a hormone released by I-cells in the upper small intestine and it aids in pancreatic secretion and gallbladder contraction, as well as regulating gastrointestinal motility and inducing satiety.