Imagine That Feeding Behavior Was Eliminated When a Radio-Frequency Lesion

question 86

Multiple Choice

Imagine that feeding behavior was eliminated when a radio-frequency lesion was used to damage the lateral hypothalamus of a rat,which suggested that cells within this region initiate feeding.If a subsequent study failed to observe a change in feeding after injection of kainic acid into the lateral hypothalamus,what conclusion would be appropriate?

• A) The lateral hypothalamus functions to inhibit eating.
• B) The changes in eating noted in the first study may be due to damage to axon fibers that are passing through the lateral hypothalamus.
• C) The changes in eating are due to damage to cell bodies within the lateral hypothalamus, and these act to initiate eating.
• D) Glial cells within the lateral hypothalamus are key for the control of eating.
• E) Cannot draw a conclusion based on this study.

---

Definitions:

Touch Receptors

Sensory nerve endings in the skin that respond to tactile stimuli, allowing the sensation of touch.

Cutaneous Sense

The sensory system related to the skin, involving perception of touch, pressure, temperature, and pain.

Olfactory

Pertains to the sense of smell.

Endorphins

Neurochemicals produced by the body that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators, often released during exercise, excitement, and pain.