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A portion of the brain that contains a number of small nuclei which have various functions. One of the most important is to link the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland (hypophysis).
The hypothalamus is located in the middle of the base of the brain where it works in concert with the pituitary gland, acting as a neuroendocrine organ.
The hypothalamus secretes various releasing hormones into the local blood capillaries which connect to the pituitary gland. These hormones then stimulate the release of the effector hormones into the bloodstream from the pituitary gland.
In the terminology of neuroanatomy, it forms the ventral part of the diencephalon.
The hypothalamus is responsible for certain metabolic processes and other activities
of the autonomic nervous system. It synthesizes and secretes neurohormones - also
known as hypothalamic-releasing hormones, - which in turn stimulate or inhibit the
secretion of pituitary hormones.
Such as:
- Thyrotropin -
releasing hormone (TRH) - Gonadotropin-
releasing hormone (GnRH) - Growth hormone-
releasing hormone (GHRH) - Corticotropin-
releasing hormone (CRH) - Somatostatin
- Dopamine
- Vasopressin and
- Oxytocin
All of these are released into the blood in the capillaries and travel immediately – in portal veins – to a second capillary bed in the anterior lobe of the pituitary, where they exert their effects. All of them are released in periodic spurts.
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Note
Replacement hormone therapy will not work unless it is administered in spurts.
The hypothalamus has a role in many physiological functions
such as:
- Blood Pressure.
- Body Temperature.
- Endocrine Functions.
- Fluid Levels.
- Hunger.
- Motor Functions.
- Sleep.
- Thirst.