Author Question: Contrast the roles of the LH and VMH for the modulation of eating. What will be an ideal ... (Read 126 times)

shenderson6 · **on:** Jun 22, 2018

Contrast the roles of the LH and VMH for the modulation of eating.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Cite evidence from the literature on humans and rats that suggests that obesity is related to the availability of high-energy foods.

What will be an ideal response?

ririgirl15 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: Ablation of the LH produces reduced eating and drinking, which reflects cell damage rather than damage to axons of passage. Electrical stimulation of the LH elicits eating. Cells within the LH secrete MCH as well as orexin, two neuropeptides that induce eating. Damage to the VMH produces overeating to obesity while stimulation of the VMH suppresses eating.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: The genetic literature suggests that there is a strong heritability factor for obesity and that family environment, which would be expected to transmit eating habits, has a remarkably small effect. Although no simple genetic defect has been found for obesity, it is clear that there are important differences in metabolism that result in some persons easily gaining weight during periods of access to high-energy diet, while others appear to be resistant to gaining weight. The rate of obesity has increased rapidly, faster than could be explained by a genetic mechanism. Recent studies suggest that the use of high fructose as a sweetener has facilitated weight gain.