Neural and Hormonal Mechanisms involved in controlling eating behaviour

Question 1

The main area in the brain involved in the regulation of appetite is the:

Answer 1

hypothalamus

Question 2

The hypothalamus is mainly involved in maintaining:

Answer 2

homeostasis

Question 3

Homeostasis:

Answer 3

The balancing of hormones to maintain a steady internal environment. Part of the homeostatic mechanism is detecting whether the body has enough nutrients (glucose) and correcting the situation if this is not the case.

Question 4

Dual centre model

Answer 4

Within the hypothalamus are two significant eating control centres: the lateral hypothalamus and the ventromedial hypothalamus. These two parts work together to control food consumption and weight

Question 5

Role of the Lateral hypothalamus (hunger centre)

Answer 5

• The LH is associated with hunger. It acts as the ‘on switch’ for eating
• The LH contains cells which detect levels of glucose by communicating with the liver. Liver communicates when there are low levels of glucose.
• When there is a decline in blood glucose levels, this is communicated to the lateral hypothalamus, which leads to the LH stimulating release of neuropeptide Y which is an appetite stimulant.
• This will lead to feelings of hunger and causes us to search for and to eat food which leads to glucose levels rising again.

Question 6

Role of the Ventromedial hypothalamus (satiety centre)

Answer 6

• Liver cells communicate the rise in glucose level to the ventromedial hypothalamus (known as the satiety centre).
• VHM triggers feelings of satiation (fullness)
• These feelings stop further eating + inhibit eating behavior
• Damage to the VMH leads to inability to stop eating