Lateral hypothalamus
Lateral Hypothalamus
The Lateral Hypothalamus (pronounced: lat-er-al hy-po-thal-a-mus), often abbreviated as LH, is a region of the hypothalamus that plays a significant role in various physiological functions.
Etymology
The term "Lateral Hypothalamus" is derived from the Latin words "latus" meaning "side" and "hypothalamus" which is a combination of "hypo" meaning "under" and "thalamus" referring to a part of the brain. Thus, the term literally translates to "the side part under the thalamus".
Function
The Lateral Hypothalamus is primarily involved in the regulation of hunger and thirst. It is often referred to as the "hunger center" of the brain because it stimulates appetite and food intake. When this area is damaged, it can lead to anorexia or weight loss due to lack of eating.
In addition to hunger and thirst, the Lateral Hypothalamus also plays a role in sleep-wake cycle, body temperature regulation, and sexual behavior. It also interacts with other parts of the brain to regulate mood and motivation.
Related Terms
- Hypothalamus: A region of the brain that controls a wide range of bodily functions, including hunger, thirst, body temperature, and sexual behavior.
- Thalamus: A part of the brain that relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex.
- Anorexia: A psychological disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to self-imposed starvation and excessive weight loss.
- Sleep-wake cycle: The cycle of sleep and wakefulness in a 24-hour period.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lateral hypothalamus
- Wikipedia's article - Lateral hypothalamus
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