Ventromedial Hypothalamus
Definition
The ventromedial hypothalamus is a part of the hypothalamus that signals to stop eating when we are full.
Analogy
Think of the ventromedial hypothalamus as a traffic cop for your stomach. When you've had enough to eat, it steps in and signals "Stop! You're full!"
Related terms
Satiety: This term refers to the feeling of being full after eating. It's the ventromedial hypothalamus' job to recognize this state and signal us to stop eating.
Ghrelin: This hormone stimulates appetite, increases food intake and promotes fat storage. Its effects are counteracted by signals from the ventromedial hypothalamus.
Obesity: A medical condition characterized by excess body weight. Dysfunction or damage to areas like the ventromedial hypothalamus can sometimes contribute to obesity because they disrupt normal feelings of satiety.
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