Hypothalamic

Hypothalamic is a term that refers to the hypothalamus, a small region of the brain that plays a crucial role in many important functions, including releasing hormones and regulating body temperature. The hypothalamus is located below the thalamus and is part of the limbic system.

Function

The hypothalamus is responsible for certain metabolic processes and other activities related to the autonomic nervous system. It synthesizes and secretes certain neurohormones, often called hypothalamic-releasing hormones, and these in turn stimulate or inhibit the secretion of pituitary hormones.

Anatomy

The hypothalamus is located below the thalamus, just above the brain stem. In the terminology of neuroanatomy, it forms the ventral part of the diencephalon. All vertebrate brains contain a hypothalamus. In humans, it is roughly the size of an almond.

Disorders

Disorders of the hypothalamus can lead to a range of health problems. These include hypothalamic disease, hypopituitarism, Kallmann syndrome, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction.

Treatment

Treatment for hypothalamic disorders typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This may include hormone replacement therapy, surgery, radiation therapy, or medications to replace deficient hormones.

See also

• Neuroendocrinology
• Endocrine system
• Pituitary gland

References

Hypothalamic Resources
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