PSY 101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Ventromedial Nucleus Of The Hypothalamus, Ghrelin, Leptin
Document Summary
Some motives are directly related to our survival as individuals or as a species. Biologically based motives related to our survival are referred to as homeostatic motives. Homeostasis the tendency to maintain a state of sameness or equilibrium. Home heating system is an example of a homeostatic mechanism, with on and off switches to maintain temperature within a narrow range. Numerous variables must be maintained within certain limits body temp, oxygen concentration in the blood, etc: when homeostatic limits are crossed various mechanisms come into play to correct the situation. Some deviations from the balance required for survival (needs) and cannot be corrected automatically. Instead, they create a motive state or psychological drive which moves us to act to eliminate the need. Survival requires both an on switch and a couple of off switches. Stomach contractions correlated with the experience of hunger. Probably multiple mechanisms a precise and subtle process.
