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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.
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Editorial responsibilityReferences and further reading
- AgRP/NPY and POMC neurons in the arcuate nucleus and their potential role in treatment of obesity. PubMed PMID: 34798121. View source
- Arcuate AgRP neurons and the regulation of energy balance. PMC3530831. View source
How to cite this entry
CNP (2026). Arcuate Nucleus. In CNP Encyclopedia Editorial Board (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology. The Center for Nutritional Psychology.
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