A child with a craniopharyngioma compressing the hypothalamus develops diabetes insipidus, growth retardation, and obesity. The obesity results primarily from damage to which hypothalamic nucleus?
- A Supraoptic nucleus
- B Lateral hypothalamic area
- C Ventromedial nucleus (satiety centre) ✓
- D Paraventricular nucleus
Correct answer: C. Ventromedial nucleus (satiety centre)
Explanation
The ventromedial nucleus (VMN) of the hypothalamus is the 'satiety centre.' Destruction of the VMN causes hyperphagia and severe obesity (as in VMN lesion experiments in rats and in hypothalamic obesity syndrome). The lateral hypothalamic area is the 'feeding/hunger centre'; its destruction causes anorexia. Supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei are involved in ADH synthesis and autonomic output, not primarily in satiety signalling.
Reference: Guyton & Hall, Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.