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MBBS QUESTION #10279
Question 1
Bilateral destructive lesions of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (the 'satiety center') classically result in:
  • Hyperphagia and progressive obesity, due to loss of the normal satiety signal✔️
  • Severe anorexia and weight loss
  • Complete abolition of the thirst sensation
  • Permanent hypothermia with no effect on appetite
Correct Answer Explanation
The ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus normally signals satiety and inhibits further feeding; its destruction removes this 'stop eating' signal, producing unchecked hyperphagia and obesity — the opposite effect to lesions of the lateral hypothalamic ('feeding center'), which cause aphagia.