Neurophysiology: hypothalamus: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Neurophysiology: hypothalamus

Sample item

An 8-year-old develops ravenous appetite and rapid weight gain after resection of a craniopharyngioma that has damaged the medial hypothalamus. Which nucleus is most likely involved?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Ventromedial nucleus

The ventromedial nucleus functions as a satiety centre. Lesions cause hyperphagia, obesity and often rage. The lateral hypothalamic area is the feeding centre, and lesions there cause aphagia and weight loss.

Option by option

  • A. Lateral hypothalamic area

    Lateral lesions reduce feeding and cause weight loss.

  • B. Ventromedial nucleus (correct)

    Correct. Damage to the satiety centre causes hyperphagia and obesity.

  • C. Suprachiasmatic nucleus

    The suprachiasmatic nucleus controls circadian rhythm.

  • D. Preoptic area

    The preoptic area regulates heat loss and body temperature.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is B, Ventromedial nucleus. The ventromedial nucleus functions as a satiety centre.

Why is "Lateral hypothalamic area" not the answer?

Lateral lesions reduce feeding and cause weight loss.

Why is "Suprachiasmatic nucleus" not the answer?

The suprachiasmatic nucleus controls circadian rhythm.

Why is "Preoptic area" not the answer?

The preoptic area regulates heat loss and body temperature.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurophysiology: hypothalamus in Physiology. Lesions cause hyperphagia, obesity and often rage. The lateral hypothalamic area is the feeding centre, and lesions there cause aphagia and weight loss.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Neurophysiology: hypothalamus?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.