| [ Summary ] |
Food intake is mainly controlled by appetite, which is modulated by many variables, including hormonal, neuronal, and mechanical factors. The hypothalamus controls both secretion of hormones and digestive juice, and gastrointestinal movement, via the autonomic nervous systems. In this review, we indicate that the hypothalamus can regulate mucosal growth and apoptosis in the small intestine, where it is a main factor in nutrient absorption. We also describe the relationship between the hypothalamus and the intestinal mucosa. |