Hypothalamus

Hypothalamus is a small region of the brain that serves as the main control center for many functions of the autonomic nervous system. It plays a crucial role in many important functions, including releasing hormones, regulating body temperature and maintaining daily physiological cycles.

Function

The hypothalamus is responsible for the regulation of certain metabolic processes and other activities of 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 and right above the brain stem. It forms the ventral part of the diencephalon. All vertebrate brains contain a hypothalamus. In humans, it is roughly the size of an almond.

Hypothalamic Hormones

The hypothalamus produces several releasing and inhibiting hormones that act on the pituitary gland, signaling it to release hormones that affect growth, mood, and the reproductive cycle.

Disorders

Disorders of the hypothalamus can lead to a range of problems. For example, damage to the hypothalamus may result in disruptions to the body’s thermoregulation, causing hypothermia or hyperthermia. Other disorders include hypopituitarism, hypothyroidism, and diabetes insipidus.

See Also

• Endocrine system
• Pituitary gland
• Thalamus
• Brain

References

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  Hypothalamus
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  Hypothalamic nuclei
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  3D view of the hypothalamus
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  Endocrine and central nervous system
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  Illustration of the diencephalon
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  Dissected midsagittal view of the human brain
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  Location of the hypothalamus