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HYPOTHYLAMUS

 


About the size of a pearl, the hypothalamus directs a multitude of important functions in the body. Located in the diencephalon region of the fore brain, the hypothalamus is the control center for many autonomic functions of the peripheral nervous system. Connections with structures of the endocrine and nervous systems enable the hypothalamus to play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis. Homeostasis is the process of maintaining bodily equilibrium by monitoring and adjusting physiological processes.

Blood vessel connections between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland allow hypothalamic hormones to control pituitary hormone secretion. Some of the physiological processes regulated by the hypothalamus include blood pressure, body temperature, cardiovascular system functions, fluid balance, and electrolyte balance. As a limbic system structure, the hypothalamus also influences various emotional responses. The hypothalamus regulates emotional responses through its influence on the pituitary gland, skeletal muscular system, and autonomic nervous system.

Hypothalamus: Function

 

The hypothalamus is involved in several functions of the body including:
  • Autonomic Function Control
  • Endocrine Function Control
  • Homeostasis
  • Motor Function Control
  • Food and Water Intake Regulation
  • Sleep-Wake Cycle Regulation
  •  

    Hypothalamus: Location

    Directionally, the hypothalamus is found in the diencephalon. It is inferior to the thalamus, posterior to the optic chiasm, and bordered on the sides by the temporal lobes and optic tracts.
    The location of the hypothalamus, specifically its close proximity to and interactions with the thalamus and pituitary gland, enables it to act as a bridge between the nervous and endocrine systems.

    Hypothalamus: Hormones

    Hormones produced by the hypothalamus include:
  • Anti-Diuretic Hormone (Vasopressin) - regulates water levels and influence blood volume and blood pressure
  •  
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone - acts on the pituitary gland causing the release of hormones in response to stress.
  • Oxytocin - influences sexual and social behavior.
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone - stimulates the pituitary to release hormones that influence the development of reproductive system structures.
  •  
  • Somatostatin - inhibits the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and growth hormone (GH).
  • Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone - stimulates the release of growth hormone by the pituitary.
  • Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone - stimulates the pituitary to release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH regulates metabolism, growth, heart rate, and body temperature.

  • Hypothalamus: Disorders

    Disorders of the hypothalamus prevent this important organ from functioning normally.
    The hypothalamus releases a number of hormones that control a variety of endocrine functions. As such, damage to the hypothalamus results in a lack of production of hypothalamic hormones needed to control important activities, such as maintaining water balance, temperature regulation, sleep cycle regulation, and weight control. Since hypothalamic hormones also influence the pituitary gland, damage to the hypothalamus impacts organs that are under pituitary control, such as the adrenal glands, gonads, and thyroid gland. Disorders of the hypothalamus include hypopituitarism (deficient pituitary hormone production), hypothyroidism (deficient thyroid hormone production), and sexual development disorders.
    Hypothalamic disease is most commonly caused by brain injury, surgery, malnutrition related to eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia), inflammation, and tumors.
    HYPOTHALAMUS
     



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