Question

Cell bodies of orexigenic neurons are present in the:

• A. Dorsal raphe
• B. Locus coeruleus
• C. Lateral hypothalamic area
• D. Hippocampus

Hint:

Orexin neurons sit in the lateral hypothalamic feeding centre.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Decode the term: orexigenic means appetite-promoting. The brain's appetite-driving peptides, orexin (hypocretin) and MCH, are synthesised by neurons whose somata sit in the lateral hypothalamic area.

Step 2: This region is the feeding centre. Lesions here reduce eating and produce wasting, whereas stimulation provokes overeating, matching the orexigenic label.

Step 3: The other choices are unrelated transmitter centres: dorsal raphe (serotonin), locus coeruleus (noradrenaline, arousal), and hippocampus (memory). None house orexin neurons.

\[\boxed{Lateral\ hypothalamic\ area}\]