PSYA3 - Eating Behaviour - Biological Approach

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Neural mechanisms

Hetherington & Ranson (1942) - damage to the hypothalamus in rats caused them to overeat and become grossly obese. Suggests that this area of the hypothalamus (ventromedial nucleus) was a satiety centre, (to inhibit feeding).

Anand and Brobeck (1951) - lesioned the lateral hypothalamus in rats, they completely stopped eating (alphagia). Suggests that the lateral hypothalamus was a feeding centre to stimulate feeding.

  • Research is done on rats since humans rarely survive damage to the hypothalamus.
  • Findings have to be extrapolated - lowers validity

The ventromedial nucleus and lateral hypothalamus = dual centre model of feeding. They respond to signals of hunger or food intake from the body.

  • Supported by research where electrical stimulation of the two areas can stimulate or inhibit eating.
  • Cannot act in isolation, they must receive information about the body's energy levels and food reserves.

Signals for starting eating

Social patterns - we eat at certain times

Smell and taste of food - stimulate release of enzymes for breakdown of food

Signals from stomach - ghrelin travels in the blood stream and signals degree of emptiness.

Cummings et al (2004) - measured ghrelin levels…

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