8. Brain Areas and their Function

Question 1

Medial Preoptic Area (MPOA) of the Hypothalamus

Answer 1

• Consummatory sexual behaviours

- Contains steroid receptors in males

Question 2

Lateral Hypothalamic Nucleus

Answer 2

• Consummatory feeding behaviour

- Produces MCH and orexin which induce feeding

Question 3

Arcuate Nucleus of the Hypothalamus

Answer 3

• Consummatory feeding behaviour
• Activates LH to secrete orexin and MCH
• Activates PVN to decrease metabolic rate and insulin release

Question 4

Paraventricular Nucleus (PVN) of the Hypothalamus

Answer 4

• Activated by NYP secreted from the LH, which
  
  • Decreases metabolic rate
  • Decreases insulin secretion
• Contains oxytocin and ADH secreting neurones that project into the posterior hypothalamus

Question 5

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)

Answer 5

• Biological clock that regulates the 24 hour circadian rhythm

Question 6

Ventromedial Hypothalamic Nucleus (VMN)

Answer 6

• Consummatory feeding behaviour

Question 7

Supraoptic Nucleus (SON) of the Hypothalamus

Answer 7

• Contains secretory neurones that project to the posterior pituitary and secrete oxytocin and ADH

Question 8

Preoptic Area (POA) of the Hypothalamus

Answer 8

• Consummatory thermoregulatory behaviour