A 5-Year-Old Boy Has Developed Persistent Food-Seeking Behavior Over the Past

A 5-year-old boy has developed persistent food-seeking behavior over the past few months.  His mother initially thought that the boy was undergoing a growth spurt, but despite how much she fed him he never seemed satisfied.  He has gained more than 4.5 kg (10 lb) .  The patient has also started complaining of a headache and nausea in the morning.  His physical examination is significant for BMI of 32 kg/m².  Temperature is 37.2 C (99 F) , blood pressure is 100/70 mm Hg, pulse is 92/min, and respirations are 16/min.  His pediatrician becomes concerned about possible central nervous system involvement.  This patient's food-seeking behavior could be explained by a lesion causing impairment of which hypothalamic nucleus?

A) Anterior
B) Lateral
C) Posterior
D) Suprachiasmatic
E) Supraoptic
F) Ventromedial

Correct Answer:

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