The three phases of energy metabolism include:
A. Cephalic phase

B. Fasting phase

C. Absorptive phase

D. Glycolytic phase

E. Basal phase

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is 'The three phases of energy metabolism include: A, B, and C Only'

Key Points

• The three phases of energy metabolism:
  • Cephalic phase: This phase occurs before food enters the stomach. It is initiated by the sight, smell, thought, or taste of food and prepares the digestive system for the food intake. It involves the stimulation of saliva production and the release of digestive enzymes.
  • Absorptive phase: This phase occurs during and immediately after eating when nutrients from the food are absorbed into the bloodstream. During this phase, insulin levels are high, facilitating the uptake of glucose by cells for energy production and storage.
  • Fasting phase: This phase occurs when the body is not actively digesting food. During this phase, the body relies on stored nutrients, particularly glycogen and fat, to maintain energy levels. Glucagon is the primary hormone active during this phase, promoting the breakdown of glycogen to glucose and the mobilization of fatty acids.

Additional Information

• Glycolytic phase:
  • This term is not typically used to describe a phase of energy metabolism. Glycolysis is a metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, releasing energy, but it is not considered a distinct phase like the cephalic, absorptive, and fasting phases.
• Basal phase:
  • This term is also not used to describe a phase of energy metabolism. The basal metabolic rate refers to the rate of energy expenditure by the body at rest but does not represent a specific phase of metabolic activity.