Question

The ventromedial area of the hypothalamus plays a role in regulating eating behavior and satiety. If this area has been destroyed in Ricky the rat's brain, he will likely: a) Experience increased appetite and overeat

b) Lose interest in food and stop eating
c) Maintain normal eating behavior
d) Become more active and engage in increased physical activity

Answer 1

The destruction of the ventromedial hypothalamus in Ricky the rat's brain is likely to cause an increased appetite and overeating, due to the loss of normal satiety signaling in the brain.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the ventromedial area of the hypothalamus has been destroyed in Ricky the rat's brain, he will likely experience increased appetite and overeat. The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) is known to regulate eating behavior and satiety. The VMH helps signal to the body that it has had enough food, triggering feelings of fullness and thus stopping eating behavior. When this area is damaged or destroyed, the normal signals for satiety are disrupted, leading to overeating and potential obesity because the body does not receive proper signals indicating it has consumed enough energy.

In the context of obesity, leptin resistance is a related condition where despite high levels of the satiety hormone leptin, the brain fails to recognize satiety, thereby failing to curb appetite. While Ricky's case may not be directly related to leptin resistance, both conditions lead to an inability to properly regulate food intake.