Lateral Hypothalamus
Definition
The lateral hypothalamus is part of the hypothalamus involved in triggering eating and drinking.
Analogy
Consider lateral hypothalamus as your car's fuel gauge. When you're low on gas (or energy), it lights up indicating you need to refuel - eat or drink something!
Related terms
Hunger Drive: This is an internal motivation for food consumption triggered by chemical signals from within our bodies, such as those sent out by our lateral hypothalamus.
Thirst Drive: Similar to hunger drive but related specifically to hydration levels. Again, this is regulated by signals from areas like our lateral hypothalamus.
Leptin: A hormone that helps regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger, which opposes ghrelin and adiponectin.
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