Laser ablation experiments are being performed in laboratory animals to ascertain the effects, on feeding behaviors, of damage to certain regions of the brain. In one series of experiments it is found that loss of the targeted brain region causes the animals to avoid food, no matter the time of day, nor how long they have gone without eating. The ablation was centered on the hypothalamus and these results strongly indicate the damage affected in which of the following regions of this structure?
A) lateral hypothalamic area (LHA)
B) nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS, NST)
C) paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN, PVH)
D) suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)
E) ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH, VMN)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) is known to be involved in promoting feeding behavior. Damage to this area can lead to a lack of interest in food, which aligns with the observed behavior in the experiments.  The hypothalamus is involved in control of feeding behavior as well as the secretion of various pituitary releasing hormones. Specific nuclei within the hypothalamus exert different effects on appetite and the desire for food. The lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) is responsible for transmitting orexigenic signals (desire for food intake) and loss of this region results in starvation.

Laser Ablation Experiments Are Being Performed in Laboratory Animals to Ascertain