Lateral Hypothalamus

Definition

The lateral hypothalamus is part of the hypothalamus involved in triggering eating and drinking.

Related terms

Hunger Drive:

This is an internal motivation for food consumption triggered by chemical signals from within our bodies, such as those sent out by our lateral hypothalamus.

Thirst Drive: Similar to hunger drive but related specifically to hydration levels. Again, this is regulated by signals from areas like our lateral hypothalamus.

Leptin:

A hormone that helps regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger, which opposes ghrelin and adiponectin.