Appetite

Definition

Appetite is the psychological desire to eat, often influenced by sensory experiences such as sight, smell, and taste. It is distinct from hunger, which is the physiological need for food.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Appetite can be affected by neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
2. Medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics can either increase or decrease appetite.
3. The hypothalamus in the brain plays a crucial role in regulating appetite by responding to signals from the digestive system.
4. Nutritional interventions for patients with altered appetite may include texture-modified diets or nutritional supplements.
5. Stress and emotional states can significantly impact one's appetite, often leading to overeating or undereating.

Review Questions

• What part of the brain is primarily responsible for regulating appetite?
• How can neurological disorders impact a patient's appetite?
• In what ways can medications influence a person's desire to eat?

Related terms

Hunger: The physiological need for food driven by internal body cues.

Satiety: The feeling of fullness or satisfaction that signals one to stop eating.

Hypothalamus:

A region of the brain that controls various autonomic functions including hunger and thirst.