Hypothalamic Regulation (feeding, water and temp)

Question 1

In terms of feeding there are antagonist elements of the hypothalamus, what are they in terms of feeding behavior and location?

Answer 1

Ventromedial Nucleus —> Decreases feeding behavior

Lateral Hypothalamus —> increases feeding behavior

Question 2

Name the short term and long term feedback mechanisms of the hypothalamus in terms of feeding behavior?

Answer 2

Short Term –> blood glucose levels
Long Term – > Leptin, released from adipose tissue will reach the arcuate nucleus which sends inhibitory interneurons to the lateral hypothalamus to suppress eating.

Question 3

In terms of hypothalamic regulation of water balance, information received by the brain is via two major inputs, what are they?

Answer 3

1) Angiotensin –>passes the BBB at the subfornical organ

2) Vagus nerve —> sends BP information via mechanisensitive endings in the heart.

Question 4

What is the actual mechanism for modulation of water balance in the hypothalamus?

Answer 4

the hypothalamus influences water conservation by eliciting the PP to release ADH as a neuroendocrine signal to the kidney. It also sends neural output to our motivational system controlling drinking behavior.

Question 5

What are the antagonist elements of the hypothalamus in terms of body temperature?

Answer 5

1) The anterior hypothalamus –> decreases body temp (also can detect changes and integrate this to somatosensory)
2) Posterior hypothalamus –> increases body temp

Question 6

what is the actual mechanism of modulation for body temp?

Answer 6

1) temp changes are induced via ANS which constricts/dilates vessels
2) also uses signals to motivational centers to seek warmer/cooler environments