The study investigates the hypothalamic control of food intake in rats and cats, focusing on the localization of areas responsible for regulating eating behavior. In rats, large lesions in the ventromedial hypothalamus led to either complete cessation of eating or increased food intake and obesity, depending on the extent and location of the lesions. Small, well-localized lesions in the lateral hypothalamus, particularly in the region corresponding to the ventromedial nucleus, resulted in a complete absence of spontaneous eating. Unilateral lesions in this area had no significant effect on eating behavior. Bilateral lesions in other hypothalamic regions did not significantly alter food intake, except for small lesions in the lateral hypothalamus, which could induce temporary or permanent inhibition of eating. In cats, similar findings were observed. Large lesions in the amygdala or ventromedial hypothalamus led to complete cessation of eating, while bilateral lesions in the lateral hypothalamus produced obesity. Unilateral lesions in these areas had no significant impact on eating behavior. The study concludes that a specific area in the lateral hypothalamus, corresponding to the ventromedial nucleus, is crucial for regulating the urge to eat. This "feeding center" may be responsible for the central hunger reaction, while the ventromedial nucleus or structures near it may exert inhibitory control over this center through lateral fibers. Similar findings were noted in cats, supporting the existence of a hypothalamic control mechanism for food intake.The study investigates the hypothalamic control of food intake in rats and cats, focusing on the localization of areas responsible for regulating eating behavior. In rats, large lesions in the ventromedial hypothalamus led to either complete cessation of eating or increased food intake and obesity, depending on the extent and location of the lesions. Small, well-localized lesions in the lateral hypothalamus, particularly in the region corresponding to the ventromedial nucleus, resulted in a complete absence of spontaneous eating. Unilateral lesions in this area had no significant effect on eating behavior. Bilateral lesions in other hypothalamic regions did not significantly alter food intake, except for small lesions in the lateral hypothalamus, which could induce temporary or permanent inhibition of eating. In cats, similar findings were observed. Large lesions in the amygdala or ventromedial hypothalamus led to complete cessation of eating, while bilateral lesions in the lateral hypothalamus produced obesity. Unilateral lesions in these areas had no significant impact on eating behavior. The study concludes that a specific area in the lateral hypothalamus, corresponding to the ventromedial nucleus, is crucial for regulating the urge to eat. This "feeding center" may be responsible for the central hunger reaction, while the ventromedial nucleus or structures near it may exert inhibitory control over this center through lateral fibers. Similar findings were noted in cats, supporting the existence of a hypothalamic control mechanism for food intake.