Navigation
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.
Definition and context
Author and reviewer
Editorial responsibility
Written by
The Center for Nutritional Psychology
Reviewed by
CNP Encyclopedia Editorial Board
Citation guidance
How to cite this entry
The Center for Nutritional Psychology. (2025). Arcuate Nucleus. In Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology. The Center for Nutritional Psychology.
https://www.nutritional-psychology.org/encyclopedia/arcuate-nucleus/
Contribute to the ENP
Know a term that belongs in the Encyclopedia?
Share a nutritional psychology term with the CNP editorial team for consideration. Relevant submissions may be reviewed for future development and publication in the Encyclopedia of Nutritional Psychology.
Submission does not guarantee publication.
