ventromedial nucleus

a group of nuclei within the ventromedial hypothalamus that receives input from the amygdala and is associated particularly with eating and sexual behavior. The ventromedial nucleus traditionally has been referred to as the satiety center because of its presumed dominance over the cessation of eating (indeed, structural or functional damage results in excessive eating), but it is now known that other neural areas are involved in this function as well. See also ventromedial hypothalamic syndrome.

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Psychology term of the day

November 19th 2024

criminal responsibility

a defendant’s ability to formulate criminal intent (see mens rea) at the time of the crime with which he or she is charged; it must be proved in court before the person can be convicted. Criminal responsibility may be excluded for reason of insanity (see Durham rule; irresistible impulse rule; M’Naghten rule) or mitigated for a number of other reasons (see diminished capacity; diminished responsibility).