Arcuate Nucleus

The arcuate nucleus is a cluster of neurons located at the base of the hypothalamus. It plays a central role in regulating appetite, metabolism, and energy balance. This nucleus integrates peripheral signals such as leptin, insulin, and ghrelin, and contains two key neuron populations, one that stimulates feeding (e.g., AgRP/NPY neurons) and one that suppresses it (e.g., POMC neurons), making it a key regulator of homeostatic control over food intake.