Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Functional Analysis of the Larval Feeding Circuit in Drosophila
Published on: November 19, 2013
Modulation of Feeding and Associated Behaviors by Lateral Hypothalamic Circuits
Emily Qualls-Creekmore1, Heike Münzberg1
1Neurobiology of Nutrition and Metabolism, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Abstract:
Our ability to modulate and observe neuronal activity in defined neurons in freely moving animals has revolutionized neuroscience research in recent years. Findings in the lateral hypothalamus (LHA) highlighted the existence of many neuronal circuits that regulate distinct phenotypes of feeding behavior, emotional valence, and locomotor activity. Several of these neuronal circuits do not fit into a common model of neuronal integration and highlight the need to improve working models for complex behaviors. This review will specifically focus on recent literature that distinguishes LHA circuits based on their molecular and anatomical characteristics and studies their role in feeding, associated behaviors (e.g., arousal and locomotion), and emotional states (e.g., emotional valences).
Related Concept Videos
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
Lateralization
What is Behavior?
Second-Order Circuits
Input signals typically originate from voltage or current sources, with the output often representing voltage across the capacitor and/or current through the inductor. For example, in...
First-Order Circuits
One common example of a first-order circuit is the RC (resistor-capacitor) circuit. These circuits are used in relaxation oscillators such as neon lamp oscillator circuits. When voltage is...
The Y-to-Y Circuit

