Hormonal Regulation of Metabolism
Start with the big picture
Insulin promotes nutrient storage and use, including glucose uptake, glycogen synthesis, glycolysis, and fatty acid synthesis. Glucagon and epinephrine support fuel mobilization through pathways such as hepatic glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis, while cortisol and growth hormone also influence glucose and fat metabolism. Thyroid hormones affect basal metabolic rate and catecholamine responses. The topic also introduces AMPK and mTOR as cellular energy and nutrient sensors, and reviews signaling systems including cAMP–PKA, IP₃/DAG–Ca²⁺, RTK–PI3K–Akt, and JAK–STAT. These mechanisms provide a basis for comparing hormonal regulation across fed, fasting, stress, and exercise states.
What you'll learn
- Compare the major metabolic actions of insulin, glucagon, and epinephrine.
- Relate hormone receptors and signaling pathways to metabolic effects.
- Describe how cortisol, growth hormone, and thyroid hormones influence metabolism.
- Explain the roles of AMPK and mTOR in sensing energy and nutrients.
- Recognize how metabolic regulation varies across physiological states.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
