Final answer:
The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, regulates hunger and satiety by processing signals from the body. It ensures homeostasis and responds to food intake by signaling fullness, and certain nutrients affect the sense of satisfaction differently.
Step-by-step explanation:
The part of the brain that is critical to regulating hunger and satiety is the hypothalamus. This region, located inferior and slightly anterior to the thalamus, is a collection of nuclei that manage homeostasis. The hypothalamus is fundamentally involved with the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system, and also plays a role in memory and emotion within the limbic system. It processes the various hunger and satiety signals to determine when we feel hungry and when we have eaten enough to feel satisfied.
In the regulation of eating, the hypothalamus integrates neural responses to food. When the stomach is full, the brain signals that you are satiated, reducing hunger. This regulatory process can be understood as a positive feedback loop, where the stimulus for hunger changes direction in response to a signal indicating fullness. Moreover, certain foods, especially those rich in fatty acids, can promote satiety more effectively than foods high in carbohydrates.