PSYCH 1100H Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Arcuate Nucleus, Sexual Script Theory, Ghrelin
Document Summary
The hypothalamus as appetite control center: arcuate nucleus: located in the hypothalamus; contains neurons that regulate appetite and weight. Appetite-stimulating neurons: promotes effects associated with being hungry. Appetite-suppressing neurons: promotes effects associated with cessation of eating (these work when we"re full) The brain doesn"t get this on its own debate over which data is. What signals hunger or satiety? most important: glucostatic hypothesis: levels of glucose in the blood signal the body regarding the need for food. Insulin: a hormone secreted by the pancreas that helps cells to extract glucose from the blood: lipostatic hypothesis: levels of lipids (fats) in the blood signal the body regarding the need for food. Leptin: a hormone produced by fat cells that provides information to the hypothalamus about fat stores. You know you eat when you"re bored. Environmental factors in the regulation of hunger: social cues: if someone else is eating, boredom, availability of food and related cues.