What Is The Hypothalamus?

What is the hypothalamus?
The hypothalamus is a small region of the brain that is located at the base of
the brain, near the pituitary gland.
Anatomy and function

The hypothalamus has three main regions. Each one contains different nuclei.
These are clusters of neurons that perform vital functions, such as releasing
hormones.
Anterior region
This area is also called the supraoptic region. Its major nuclei include the
supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei. There are several other smaller nuclei
in the anterior region as well.
The nuclei in the anterior region are largely involved in the secretion of various
hormones. Many of these hormones interact with the nearby pituitary gland to
produce additional hormones.
Some of the most important hormones produced in the anterior region include:
 Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH is involved in the

body’s response to both physical and emotional stress. It signals the
pituitary gland to produce a hormone called adrenocorticotropic
hormone (ACTH). ACTH triggers the production of cortisol, an important
stress hormone.
 Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH production stimulates the

pituitary gland to produce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH plays
an important role in the function of many body parts, such as the heart,
gastrointestinal tract, and muscles.
 Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH production causes

the pituitary gland to produce important reproductive hormones, such as
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
 Oxytocin. This hormone controls many important behaviors and

emotions, such as sexual arousal, trust, recognition, and maternal
behavior. It’s also involved in some functions of the reproductive
system, such as childbirth and lactation.
 Vasopressin. Also called antidiuretic hormone (ADH), this hormone
regulates water levels in the body. When vasopressin is released, it
signals the kidneys to absorb water.
 Somatostatin. Somatostatin works to stop the pituitary gland from

releasing certain hormones, including growth hormones and thyroid-
stimulating hormones.
The anterior region of the hypothalamus also helps regulate body temperature
through sweat. It also maintains circadian rhythms. These are physical and
behavioral changes that occur on a daily cycle. For example, being awake
during the day and sleeping at nighttime is a circadian rhythm related to the
presence or absence of light.
Middle region
This area is also called the tuberal region. Its major nuclei are the
ventromedial and arcuate nuclei.
The ventromedial nucleus helps control appetite, while the arcuate nucleus is
involved in releasing growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). GHRH
stimulates the pituitary gland to produce growth hormone. This is responsible
for the growth and development of the body.
Posterior region
This area is also called the mammillary region. The posterior hypothalamic
nucleus and mammillary nuclei are its main nuclei.
The posterior hypothalamic nucleus helps regulate body temperature by

causing shivering and blocking sweat production.
The role of the mammillary nuclei is less clear. Doctors believe it’s involved in
memory function.
Hypothalamus conditions
When the hypothalamus doesn’t work properly, it’s called hypothalamic
dysfunction.
Hypothalamic dysfunction plays a role in many conditions, including:
 Diabetes insipidus. If the hypothalamus doesn’t produce and release

enough vasopressin, the kidneys can remove too much water. This
causes increased urination and thirst. Unlike people
with diabetes mellitus, people with diabetes insipidus have stable blood
sugar levels.
 Prader-Willi syndrome. This is a rare, inherited disorder. It causes the

hypothalamus to not register when someone is full after eating. People
with Prader-Willi syndrome have a constant urge to eat, increasing their
risk of obesity. Additional symptoms include a slower metabolism and
decreased muscle.
 Hypopituitarism. This disorder happens when the pituitary gland

doesn’t produce enough hormones. While it’s usually caused by
damage to the pituitary gland, hypothalamic dysfunction can also cause
it. Many hormones produced by the hypothalamus directly affect those
produced by the pituitary gland.

What Is The Hypothalamus?

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What is the hypothalamus?

Anatomy and function

 Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH is involved in the

 Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH production stimulates the

 Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH production causes

 Oxytocin. This hormone controls many important behaviors and

 Somatostatin. Somatostatin works to stop the pituitary gland from

The posterior hypothalamic nucleus helps regulate body temperature by

Hypothalamic dysfunction plays a role in many conditions, including:

 Diabetes insipidus. If the hypothalamus doesn’t produce and release

 Prader-Willi syndrome. This is a rare, inherited disorder. It causes the

 Hypopituitarism. This disorder happens when the pituitary gland

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