Anterior hypothalamic nucleus

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Anterior Hypothalamic Nucleus

The Anterior Hypothalamic Nucleus is a nucleus located in the hypothalamus of the human brain. It is part of the limbic system, which is involved in emotional responses, memory formation, and learning.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "anterior" comes from the Latin word "anterior", which means "before" or "in front of". "Hypothalamic" is derived from the Greek words "hypo", meaning "under", and "thalamus", meaning "inner room". "Nucleus" is from the Latin word "nucleus", meaning "kernel" or "core".

Function[edit | edit source]

The Anterior Hypothalamic Nucleus plays a crucial role in thermoregulation, controlling the body's temperature. It also participates in the regulation of the circadian rhythm, the body's internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Related Terms[edit | edit source]

  • Hypothalamus: A region of the brain that controls a wide range of bodily functions, including hunger, thirst, body temperature, and sleep.
  • Limbic System: A complex system of nerves and networks in the brain, involving several areas near the edge of the cortex concerned with instinct and mood.
  • Circadian Rhythm: Physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a daily cycle, responding primarily to light and darkness in an organism's environment.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Anterior hypothalamic nucleus Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD