Ventromedial Hypothalamus
Definition
The ventromedial hypothalamus is a part of the hypothalamus that signals to stop eating when we are full.
Analogy
Think of the ventromedial hypothalamus as a traffic cop for your stomach. When you've had enough to eat, it steps in and signals "Stop! You're full!"
Related terms
Satiety: This term refers to the feeling of being full after eating. It's the ventromedial hypothalamus' job to recognize this state and signal us to stop eating.
Ghrelin: This hormone stimulates appetite, increases food intake and promotes fat storage. Its effects are counteracted by signals from the ventromedial hypothalamus.
Obesity: A medical condition characterized by excess body weight. Dysfunction or damage to areas like the ventromedial hypothalamus can sometimes contribute to obesity because they disrupt normal feelings of satiety.
"Ventromedial Hypothalamus" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (2)
- What part of eating is the ventromedial hypothalamus in charge of?
- What part of eating is the ventromedial hypothalamus in charge of?
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