This study investigates the hypothalamic control of food intake in rats and cats. It identifies a specific area in the lateral hypothalamus, termed the "feeding center," which, when destroyed bilaterally, leads to a complete cessation of eating. In contrast, destruction of other areas can result in hyperphagia and obesity. The study used electrolytic lesions in rats to examine the effects of hypothalamic damage on eating behavior. Lesions in the ventromedial nucleus or adjacent regions caused hyperphagia and obesity, while lesions in the lateral hypothalamus led to anorexia. The "feeding center" was localized in the lateral hypothalamus at the rostro-caudal level corresponding to the central part of the ventromedial nucleus. Bilateral destruction of this area resulted in complete inhibition of eating, while unilateral destruction had no effect. Lesions in other areas of the hypothalamus did not affect food intake, except when they were adjacent to the lateral area, which could induce a temporary decrease in eating. The study also found that destruction of the ventromedial nuclei or their efferent fibers led to hyperphagia, suggesting that the "feeding center" is influenced by these structures. Similar observations were made in cats, where bilateral lesions in the lateral hypothalamus also led to anorexia. The study concludes that the lateral hypothalamus contains the "feeding center," responsible for the urge to eat, while the ventromedial nucleus or surrounding structures may exert inhibitory control over this center. The findings support the idea that the hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating food intake through specific regions.This study investigates the hypothalamic control of food intake in rats and cats. It identifies a specific area in the lateral hypothalamus, termed the "feeding center," which, when destroyed bilaterally, leads to a complete cessation of eating. In contrast, destruction of other areas can result in hyperphagia and obesity. The study used electrolytic lesions in rats to examine the effects of hypothalamic damage on eating behavior. Lesions in the ventromedial nucleus or adjacent regions caused hyperphagia and obesity, while lesions in the lateral hypothalamus led to anorexia. The "feeding center" was localized in the lateral hypothalamus at the rostro-caudal level corresponding to the central part of the ventromedial nucleus. Bilateral destruction of this area resulted in complete inhibition of eating, while unilateral destruction had no effect. Lesions in other areas of the hypothalamus did not affect food intake, except when they were adjacent to the lateral area, which could induce a temporary decrease in eating. The study also found that destruction of the ventromedial nuclei or their efferent fibers led to hyperphagia, suggesting that the "feeding center" is influenced by these structures. Similar observations were made in cats, where bilateral lesions in the lateral hypothalamus also led to anorexia. The study concludes that the lateral hypothalamus contains the "feeding center," responsible for the urge to eat, while the ventromedial nucleus or surrounding structures may exert inhibitory control over this center. The findings support the idea that the hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating food intake through specific regions.