Question

A person with a ventromedial hypothalamus injury will likely show which behavior? (A) Increased empathy (B) Decreased empathy (C) Increased food intake (D) Decreased food intake

Short answer

Increased food intake (C).

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Function of the Ventromedial Hypothalamus

The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) is a part of the brain involved in regulating satiety, or the feeling of fullness after eating. When functioning properly, the VMH signals the body to stop eating.

Analyze the Impact of VMH Injury

If the VMH is injured, it may not send the appropriate signals to stop eating. This means the person may not feel full even after consuming a large amount of food.

Identify the Correct Behavior Change

Given that an injury to the VMH affects the satiety signals, the likely behavior change would be an increase in food intake.

Rule Out Other Options

Options (A) Increased empathy and (B) Decreased empathy are not related to the function of the VMH. Option (D) Decreased food intake is the opposite of what would likely occur with a VMH injury.

Key concepts

brain function

The brain is a highly complex organ responsible for various essential functions that keep our bodies running smoothly.
Each part of the brain plays a specific role. The hypothalamus, for instance, is crucial for maintaining homeostasis, or balance, in the body.
It regulates things like body temperature, hunger, and thirst.
Within the hypothalamus, the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) specifically deals with the regulation of satiety, which is the feeling of fullness after eating.
When a part of the brain is injured, the specific functions it controls can be disrupted.
For example, damage to the VMH can lead to behavioral changes, particularly concerning how the person feels about food.

regulation of satiety

Satiety is the state of feeling full and satisfied after eating.
The VMH plays a crucial role in this process by sending signals to the body to stop eating when we have had enough food.
This regulation is important for maintaining a healthy energy balance and body weight.
During a meal, as your stomach fills, the brain receives signals from the digestive system that it is time to stop eating.
These signals are processed by the VMH. If the VMH is working correctly, a person will feel satisfied and stop eating. However, if the VMH is damaged or not functioning properly, this signaling process can be disrupted.

behavioral change from brain injury

Behavior can change notably due to brain injuries.
When the VMH is injured, the body may not receive the proper signals to stop eating. This can lead to a significant increase in food intake.
A person with a VMH injury might not feel full, no matter how much they eat, which can lead to overeating and potentially obesity.
This change in behavior is not related to increased or decreased empathy, as emotions are controlled by different areas of the brain.
Only behaviors directly related to the functions of the VMH, such as eating habits, are affected.
Understanding this can help identify and treat behavioral changes resulting from brain injuries.

food intake regulation

Food intake regulation is essential for maintaining a healthy body weight and overall health.
The VMH is crucial in this process by signaling when to stop eating. When functioning correctly, this helps prevent overeating.
If the VMH is injured, the body may not get the fullness signal, leading to continuous eating without feeling satisfied.
This can result in weight gain because the brain fails to regulate food intake accurately.
Proper regulation of food intake involves a balance of signals from the brain and digestive system, all working together to maintain health.
Understanding the role of the VMH can help in managing eating behaviors and addressing issues related to food intake.