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.