Some new developments in the understanding of oropharyngeal and postingestional controls of meal size

This review focuses on new developments in the understanding of how oropharyngeal and postingestional stimulation control the ingestive behavior of the rat ingesting liquids. With the development of the computer-controlled lickometer it is now possible to measure and analyze in fine detail the impact these two variables have on the rat’s licking behavior. Because variations in this behavior are responsible for variations in intake this methodology is beginning to provide a clearer picture of how oropharyngeal and postingestional stimulation control ingestive behavior and interact to control meal size. These developments should in turn ultimately provide the basis for better understanding of how the motor systems of the brain control the behavior that supplies the body with its nutrients.