The hierarchical network of hormonal and cellular signaling pathways that collectively dictate the body’s overarching metabolic state, including energy partitioning, nutrient storage, and utilization priorities. Key components include the insulin/IGF-1 axis, the thyroid axis, and the nutrient-sensing pathways like mTOR and AMPK. This structure represents the core decision-making architecture for energy metabolism.
Origin
This is a conceptual term drawn from systems biology and endocrinology, using “Command Structure” to illustrate the coordinated, hierarchical control over energy metabolism. It emphasizes the integrated nature of hormonal regulation. The concept helps clinicians understand where systemic metabolic errors originate.
Mechanism
The structure operates through complex feedback loops, where master regulators like the thyroid hormones set the basal metabolic rate, and insulin governs acute nutrient handling. When inputs are high-fidelity, the command structure efficiently directs energy to growth or storage. Chronic metabolic noise, such as insulin resistance, compromises this structure, leading to a state of confusion where cells cannot correctly interpret the commands for energy balance.
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