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Multiple Choice
When the body's blood sugar level drops, the ________ triggers the drive to obtain food.
A
adrenal cortex
B
hypothalamus
C
pancreas
D
pituitary gland
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the hypothalamus: The hypothalamus is a region of the brain responsible for maintaining homeostasis, including regulating hunger, thirst, body temperature, and other essential functions.
Recognize the connection between blood sugar levels and hunger: When blood sugar levels drop, the body needs to restore energy balance. The hypothalamus detects this change and triggers the sensation of hunger to encourage food intake.
Differentiate the roles of other options: The adrenal cortex is involved in stress response and hormone production, the pancreas regulates blood sugar through insulin and glucagon, and the pituitary gland controls various hormones but does not directly trigger hunger.
Identify the correct answer: Based on the function of the hypothalamus in detecting low blood sugar and initiating hunger, it is the correct answer to this question.
Conclude: The hypothalamus plays a central role in maintaining energy balance by signaling the drive to obtain food when blood sugar levels drop.