Hypothalamus

Done by shahad hamed

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 Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus is a portion of the brain that
contains a number of small nuclei with a variety of
functions. One of the most important functions of the
hypothalamus is to link the nervous system to the
endocrine system via the pituitary gland. The
hypothalamus is located below the thalamus and is part
of the limbic system
 The hypothalamus has three main regions.

Each one contains different nuclei.

Anterior region
The anterior region is also called the supraoptic region. Its major nuclei include the
supraoptic nucleus and paraventricular nucleus. 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.

The anterior region of the hypothalamus also helps regulate body temperature
through sweat.

It also maintains circadian rhythms, which 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

The middle region is also called the tuberal

region. Its major nuclei are the arcuate
nucleus and ventromedial nucleus. Part of
the paraventricular nucleus is also located
here.
The arcuate nucleus is involved in appetite
and releasing growth hormone-releasing
hormone (GHRH). The ventromedial nucleus
also helps regulate appetite and growth.
 Posterior region
The posterior region is also called the mammillary region. The
posterior hypothalamic nucleus and mammillary nucleus are its
main nuclei.
The posterior hypothalamic nucleus helps regulate body
temperature by causing shivering and blocking sweat
production.
The mammillary nucleus is involved in memory function.
Hormones of the
Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus has a central
neuroendocrine function, most notably by
its control of the anterior pituitary, which
in turn regulates various endocrine glands
and organs. Releasing hormones (also called
releasing factors) are produced in
hypothalamic nuclei then transported
along axons to either the median eminence
or the posterior pituitary, where they are
stored and released as needed
Primary hormones secreted by the hypothalamus include:

1- 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.
2- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Production of GnRH
causes the pituitary gland to produce important reproductive
hormones, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing
hormone (LH).
3- Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). Production of TRH
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 muscles, heart, and gastrointestinal tract.
Primary hormones secreted by the hypothalamus include:
4- Somatostatin: Somatostatin works to stop the pituitary gland from
releasing certain hormones, including growth hormones and TSH
5- 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.
6- Vasopressin: Also called antidiuretic hormone (ADH), vasopressin
regulates water levels in the body. When vasopressin is released, it
signals the kidneys to absorb water.
That's why The hypothalamus controls many different

functions. It's important for your sex drive, behaviors, and

emotions. Other functions include:

Hunger, Thirst ,Weight, Body temperature, Breast milk

production, Salt and water balance, Circadian rhythm, or your

sleep-wake cycle,
 Hypothalamus Disorders
• Hypothalamic obesity: Injury to the hypothalamus can cause
problems with hunger. People who have hypothalamic obesity
can have symptoms like:

1. Fast weight gain

2. Excessive weight gain
3. Uncontrollable appetite
4. Low metabolism

• Central diabetes insipidus: This type of diabetes is a rare

autoimmune disorder where your immune system damages your
hypothalamus. Parts of your hypothalamus release a hormone called
antidiuretic hormone, or vasopression, which helps your kidneys filter
water and keep you hydrated.

o Damage to the hypothalamus leads to a lack antidiuretic hormone and

causes frequent peeing and thirst.
 Hypothalamus Disorders
Developmental disorders

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is another

releasing factor secreted by the hypothalamus. GHRH
stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete growth
hormone (GH), which has various effects on body growth
and sexual development.

Insufficient GH production may cause poor somatic

growth, precocious puberty or , failure to initiate or
complete puberty, and is often associated with rapid
weight gain, low T4, and low levels of sex hormones
 The references
Hypothalamus – Wikipedia
Dr. Boeree, C. George. "The Emotional Nervous System". The
Limbic System. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
Bowen, R. "Overview of Hypothalamic and Pituitary
Hormones". Retrieved 5 October 2014

Hypothalamus: Function, Hormones, and

More
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-
maps/hypothalamus#hypothalamus-
health-tips

Hypothalamus: Function, Disorders,

Treatment

https://www.webmd.com/brain/what-to-
know-about-hypothalamus