Final answer:
The term lipopenia refers to a deficiency of fats or lipids in the blood, which is the correct answer to the student's question.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct term for a deficiency of fats is lipopenia. Option 'c' is therefore the correct answer. Lipopenia refers to a situation where there is a lower than normal concentration of lipids or fats in the blood. This can occur in various conditions such as malnutrition or disorders that impair lipid absorption or metabolism. In contrast, hypoinsulinism, option 'a', refers to a deficiency in insulin production by the pancreas, and hypoglycemia, option 'b', means a low blood sugar level. Amylopenia is not a recognized medical term.
Lipolysis is the process by which triglycerides are broken down into glycerol and free fatty acids. This process becomes significant when the body's energy requirements are not met by carbohydrates, prompting the breakdown of stored fats. Alternatively, lipogenesis is the synthesis of lipids that occurs in the liver or adipose tissues. When there are metabolic disorders, such as uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or hypothyroidism, they can lead to hyperlipidemia, which is an abnormally high level of lipids in the bloodstream.