hypothalamus
HY-puh-thal-uh-muhs
Definition
A small region at the base of the brain that plays a critical role in controlling many bodily functions, including metabolism, hunger, and energy regulation.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'hypo-' (under) and 'thalamos' (inner chamber or room), the term was coined in the late 19th century to describe the brain structure located beneath the thalamus.
In the news
The article mentions the hypothalamus to pinpoint where the AgRP neurons are located, highlighting the brain's central role in managing energy balance during drug treatment.
Scientists assumed semaglutide’s long-term effects would depend on silencing the brain’s hunger neurons. But a Yale-led study published in PNAS in August 2026 found that prolonged treatment recruited these neurons in female mice—and disrupting them w
Read the full article ↗ScienceBlog.com