gastrointestinal hormone

Definitions of gastrointestinal hormone

1. noun

   hormones that affect gastrointestinal functioning
   synonyms: GI hormones

   types:

   gastrin

   polypeptide hormone secreted by the mucous lining of the stomach; when peptides and amino acids are present in the small intestine the secretion of gastric acid is stimulated

   cholecystokinin

   a gastrointestinal hormone that stimulates the secretion of pancreatic enzymes and the contraction and emptying of the gall bladder; its release is stimulated by the presence of fatty acids and amino acids in the small intestine

   secretin

   a gastrointestinal hormone that stimulates the secretion of water and bicarbonate from the pancreas and bile ducts whenever the stomach empties too much acid into the small intestine

   ghrelin

   a gastrointestinal hormone produced by epithelial cells lining the fundus of the stomach; appears to be a stimulant for appetite and feeding, but is also a strong stimulant of growth hormone secretion from the anterior pituitary

   motilin

   a gastrointestinal hormone that apparently participates in controlling smooth muscle contractions in the stomach and small intestine

   type of:

   endocrine, hormone, internal secretion

   the secretion of an endocrine gland that is transmitted by the blood to the tissue on which it has a specific effect