Hypothalamospinal tract

Hypothalamospinal Tract is a part of the autonomic nervous system that connects the hypothalamus to the spinal cord. It plays a crucial role in the regulation of various body functions, including blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature.

Anatomy

The hypothalamospinal tract originates in the hypothalamus, a small region located at the base of the brain. From there, it descends through the brainstem and into the spinal cord, where it terminates in the intermediolateral cell column.

Function

The hypothalamospinal tract is involved in the regulation of several autonomic functions. It carries signals from the hypothalamus to the spinal cord, which then sends signals to various parts of the body to regulate functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature.

Clinical significance

Damage to the hypothalamospinal tract can result in a variety of symptoms, depending on the location and extent of the damage. These can include hypertension, bradycardia, and hyperthermia.

See also

• Autonomic nervous system
• Hypothalamus
• Spinal cord