What is the function of the hypothalamus?

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The hypothalamus in the brain is small in size but holds control of many important body functions. This article will help you better understand the hypothalamus and the functions it performs.

1. What is the hypothalamus?

The hypothalamus is a small area in the center of the brain, located between the pituitary gland and the thalamus.
Despite its small size, the hypothalamus plays an important role in hormone production as well as in stimulating many other processes in the body.
Functions of the hypothalamus include:
Release of hormones Regulate body temperature Maintain daily physiological cycle Control appetite Manage sexual behavior Regulate emotions

2. Anatomy of the hypothalamus

The hypothalamus has three main regions: anterior hypothalamus, medial hypothalamus, and posterior hypothalamus. Each region contains different nuclei. These are clusters of nerve cells that perform important functions, such as releasing hormones.
2.1 Anterior hypothalamus This area is also known as the upper hypothalamus. The major nuclei include the supraoptic nuclei, the paraventricular nuclei, and several other minor nuclei in the anterior hypothalamus.
The nuclei here are largely involved in the secretion of various hormones. Many of these hormones interact with the nearby pituitary gland to produce more hormones.
Some important hormones produced in the anterior hypothalamus include:
ACTH Releasing Hormone - CRH: This hormone is involved in the body's response to physical and emotional stressors. It signals the pituitary gland to produce a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH will trigger the production of cortisol - a stress hormone.
TSH-Releasing Hormone - TRH: This hormone helps stimulate 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, digestive system, and muscles.
FSH and LH Releasing Hormone - GnRH: This hormone stimulates 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, like sexual arousal, trust, recognition, and maternal behavior. It is also involved in some functions of the reproductive system, such as childbirth and breastfeeding.
Vasopressin: This hormone is also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH). It regulates the water level in the body. Vasopressin helps prevent the body from becoming dehydrated by reducing urine output and signaling the kidneys to reabsorb water.

Somatostatin: Works to block the pituitary gland from secreting certain hormones, including growth hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone. The anterior hypothalamus also helps regulate body temperature through perspiration, maintaining circadian rhythms. These are physical and behavioral changes that occur on a daily cycle, for example being awake during the day and sleeping at night is a circadian rhythm related to the presence or absence of light.

2.2 Medial hypothalamus This region, also known as tubercle region, contains the main nucleus pulposus, medial ventral nucleus, medial dorsal nucleus, and funnel nucleus.
The nuclei help control appetite, which is involved in the release of the hormone GHRH - which helps stimulate the pituitary gland to produce growth hormone, which is responsible for the growth and development of the body.
2.3 Posterior hypothalamus This area is also known as the mammary region, including the anterior mammary nucleus, the supramammary gland, and the mammary tubercle. The nucleus in this region helps regulate body temperature by causing shivering and preventing sweating.
The role of the mammary nucleus is still unclear. Doctors believe it has something to do with memory function.

3. Factors affecting the hypothalamus

Where the hypothalamus does not function properly is called hypothalamic dysfunction.
Some factors that contribute to hypothalamic dysfunction include:
Head trauma Genetic disorders, such as growth hormone deficiency Birth defects involving the brain or hypothalamus Tumors in or around the brain around the hypothalamus Eating disorders eg anorexia or bulimia Autoimmune diseases Brain surgeries Hypothalamic dysfunction can cause the following problems:
Diabetes insipidus : If If the hypothalamus doesn't produce and release enough vasopressin, the kidneys can get rid of too much water, causing increased urination and thirst - signs of diabetes insipidus. Unlike diabetes, patients with diabetes insipidus have stable blood sugar levels.
Prader-Willi syndrome: This is a rare and inherited disorder. It causes the hypothalamus to fail to activate after a full meal. People with Prader-Willi syndrome frequently crave food, which increases the risk of obesity. Other symptoms include slow metabolism, muscle loss.
Hypopituitarism: This disorder occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough hormones. Although this disease is usually caused by damage to the pituitary gland, hypothalamic dysfunction can also be the cause.

4. Symptoms of Hypothalamic Disorders

Symptoms of hypothalamic disorders vary depending on which hormone is missing. In children, there are often signs of abnormal growth and puberty, in adults there can be symptoms related to different hormones that their bodies are not producing. Some symptoms warn of regional disorders. hypothalamus includes:
Abnormally high or low blood pressure Abnormally fluctuating body temperature Unexplained weight loss or gain Changes in appetite Insomnia Dehydrated body Small stature Slow puberty Frequent urination

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Reference source: healthline.com; webmd.com
MORE:
What is the role of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system? What makes up the endocrine system? Hormones produced by the pituitary gland