Question

What is the purpose of the lateral hypothalamus?

a) To convert incoming calories into energy
b) To monitor the amount of glucose available in the blood
c) To provide signals that tell us when to stop eating
d) To provide signals that tell us when to eat

Answer 1

The lateral hypothalamus signals when to eat by regulating hunger. Low blood sugar levels stimulate neurotransmitters that trigger the desire for food intake, while satiety is promoted through multiple signals including the hormone leptin.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of the lateral hypothalamus is to provide signals that tell us when to eat. This area of the brain plays a critical role in the regulation of hunger and satiety signals. When low blood sugar levels occur, neurotransmitters are stimulated to send a signal to the brain for food intake. Additionally, the hypothalamus is involved in monitoring the core temperature of the body, which is tightly regulated.

Foods rich in fatty acids tend to promote satiety more than them being rich only in carbohydrates. Consequently, when blood glucose levels increase, several physiological mechanisms trigger satiety signals to the brain to stop eating, one of which includes the release of leptin, a satiety hormone, by fat cells.