====== Lateral hypothalamic area ======


The lateral [[hypothalamus]] or lateral [[hypothalamic area]], (LHA) and the lateral preoptic area belong to the lateral zone of the hypothalamus.

The LHA is involved in [[hunger]] and [[wakefulness]].

Damage to this area can cause reduced food intake. Stimulating the lateral hypothalamus causes a desire to eat, while stimulating the ventromedial hypothalamus causes a desire to stop eating.

Neurotransmitters involved in its function are [[glutamate]] and [[orexin]].
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see [[Lateral hypothalamic area deep brain stimulation]]