Hypothalamus function

Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: • Explain the interrelationships of the anatomy and functions of the hypothalamus and the posterior and anterior lobes of the pituitary gland • Identify the two hormones released from the posterior pituitary, their target cells, and their principal actions • Identify the six hormones produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, their target cells, their principal actions, and their regulation by the hypothalamus The hypothalamus–pituitary complex can be thought of as the “command center” of the endocrine system. This complex secretes several hormones that directly produce responses in target tissues, as well as hormones that regulate the synthesis and secretion of hormones of other glands. In addition, the hypothalamus–pituitary complex coordinates the messages of the endocrine and nervous systems. In many cases, a stimulus received by the nervous system must pass through the hypothalamus–pituitary complex to be translated into hormones that can initiate a response. The hypothalamus is a structure of the diencephalon of the brain located anterior and inferior to the thalamus ( pituitary gland (or hypophysis), a bean-sized organ suspended from it by a stem called the infundibulum (or pituitary stalk). The pituitary gland is cradled within the sellaturcica of the sphenoid bone of the skull. It consists of two lobes that arise from distinct parts of embryonic tissue: the posterior pituitary (neurohy...

The hypothalamus is a part of the midbrain. An important function of the hypothalamus is to link the nervous system to the endocrine (hormonal) system through the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus is considered the regulator of all hormonal functions in the body. The hypothalamus is a part of the midbrain. It is named that because of its proximity to the “thalamus,” the part of the brain responsible for all sensations the body receives. An important function of the hypothalamus is to link thenervous systemto the endocrine (hormonal) systemthrough the • Anti-diuretic hormone (vasopressin): It regulates water levels and influences • Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH): It acts on thepituitary glandreleasinghormonesin response to • • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): It stimulates the pituitary to release hormones that influence the development ofreproductive systemstructures. • Somatostatin: It inhibits the release ofthyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and growth hormone (GH). • GH-releasing hormone: It stimulates the release of GH by the pituitary. • Thyrotropin-releasing hormone: It stimulates the pituitary to release TSH. TSH regulates metabolism, growth, The hypothalamus may be divided into three regions. Each region is responsible for various functions. Other functions of the anterior region of the hypothalamus include • Temperature regulation • Release of hormones such as oxytocin, anti-diuretic hormone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone • Control of Functions of ...

Table of Contents [Hide] [Show] • • • + − • • • Do you have an idea of how important a proper functioning hypothalamus is? Read on to learn its importance and why you should keep it balanced. What Is the Hypothalamus? The hypothalamus is a region of the brain that is important for a balanced state in the body. Its major role is to ensure regulation of the body’s internal balance (homeostasis.) An unbalanced hypothalamus throws most other hormones out of balance. It affects the pituitary gland and adrenal gland, which then affects the endocrine and the nervous system. The The Activation of the Hypothalamus The hypothalamus produces hormones that “stop and start the production of other hormones throughout the body.” It is constantly receiving and sending signals throughout the body and the brain. The hypothalamus receives input from all parts of the nervous system such as stress, microbes, light, odors, impulses from the reproductive tract, and other hormonal signals that regulate hunger and satiation. Secretion of hormones to the bloodstream depends on these signals the brain receives on a daily basis. The Role of the Hypothalamus in Balancing the Body 1. Fight or Flight The hypothalamus sends signals from the brain to the body during emergency situations. It triggers the body’s fight or flight response to these events. The hypothalamus rapidly jumps into action when you are presented with a life-threatening situation or any other threat. It is responsible for redirecting b...

Signs and symptoms of a malfunctioning hypothalamus (hypothalamic dysfunction) usually develop due to various reasons. Signs and symptoms of a malfunctioning hypothalamus (hypothalamic dysfunction) usually develop due to various reasons. Hypothalamic dysfunction may cause the following problems: • Too little or too much growth in children • Early or late • • If the malfunctioning hypothalamus affects the thyroid, the affected person can get • Feeling • • • • • If the malfunctioning hypothalamus affects the adrenal glands, symptoms that develop may include: • Poor appetite • • • • Susceptibility to infections What is the function of the hypothalamus? The hypothalamus helps in maintaining the coordination between various systems of the body. Its function includes regulation of various factors: • Growth • Weight • Body temperature • Appetite • Salt and water balance • Sex drive • • Production of • • Memory • Emotions • Behavior Another important function of the hypothalamus is to control the How is a malfunctioning hypothalamus diagnosed? To diagnose if the hypothalamus is malfunctioning, laboratory tests are done that examine the patient’s blood and urine for hormones: • Cortisol • Estrogen • Pituitary hormones • Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH]) • Growth hormone (GH) • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) • Luteinizing hormone (LH) • • • Testosterone • Thyroid hormones • Sodium levels Other diagnostic tests include: • • Computed tomographic (CT) scan • Visual field tests (in...