You are studying a strain of laboratory mice that get obese even on a low-fat lab chow. In examination of the brains of these mice you find an abnormal poorly developed area of the hypothalamus. A defect in which of the following regions would most likely account for the observed obesity?
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

You are studying a strain of laboratory mice that get obese even on a low-fat lab chow. In examination of the brains of these mice you find an abnormal poorly developed area of the hypothalamus. A defect in which of the following regions would most likely account for the observed obesity? 
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)

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) is involved in satiety and energy balance. A defect in this area can lead to hyperphagia and obesity. 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 ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH), and to a lesser extent the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMH) is involved in the sensation of satiety and lesions in these regions of the hypothalamus result in hyperphagia (excessive hunger) and obesity.

You Are Studying a Strain of Laboratory Mice That Get