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Functions of Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is a vital brain region responsible for maintaining homeostasis by regulating endocrine and autonomic functions. It controls hormone secretion, body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep-wake cycles, and emotional responses. Key centers within the hypothalamus manage these diverse functions, ensuring the body's internal environment remains stable.

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3 views2 pages

Functions of Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is a vital brain region responsible for maintaining homeostasis by regulating endocrine and autonomic functions. It controls hormone secretion, body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep-wake cycles, and emotional responses. Key centers within the hypothalamus manage these diverse functions, ensuring the body's internal environment remains stable.

Uploaded by

uddinroohan01
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Functions of Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is a small but crucial part of the brain that acts as the center for homeostasis and integrates
endocrine and autonomic functions.

1. Endocrine Functions:
- Controls secretion of anterior pituitary hormones by releasing and inhibiting hormones:
• Releasing hormones: TRH, CRH, GnRH, GHRH
• Inhibiting hormones: Somatostatin, Dopamine (inhibits prolactin)
- Produces posterior pituitary hormones (stored in posterior pituitary):
• ADH (Vasopressin) → water balance
• Oxytocin → uterine contraction & milk ejection

2. Regulation of Autonomic Nervous System:


- Controls sympathetic and parasympathetic activities:
• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Digestive motility
• Pupillary responses

3. Regulation of Body Temperature:


- Acts as a thermostat for the body:
• Anterior hypothalamus: Heat loss center (vasodilation, sweating)
• Posterior hypothalamus: Heat conservation (vasoconstriction, shivering)

4. Regulation of Hunger and Satiety:


- Lateral hypothalamus: Hunger center (lesion → anorexia)
- Ventromedial hypothalamus: Satiety center (lesion → obesity)

5. Regulation of Water Balance:


- Controls thirst (via osmoreceptors in supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei)
- Secretes ADH for water reabsorption in kidneys

6. Regulation of Sleep and Wakefulness:


- Suprachiasmatic nucleus acts as the biological clock for circadian rhythms
- Influences sleep-wake cycle

7. Emotional and Behavioral Regulation:


- Part of limbic system → controls emotions like fear, anger, sexual behavior

Summary Table: Functions of Hypothalamus


| Function | Center/Nucleus Involved |
|--------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|
| Endocrine control | Supraoptic & paraventricular nuclei |
| ANS regulation | Various hypothalamic nuclei |
| Temperature regulation | Anterior (heat loss), posterior (heat gain) |
| Hunger & satiety | Lateral (hunger), Ventromedial (satiety) |
| Water balance | Supraoptic & paraventricular nuclei |
| Circadian rhythm | Suprachiasmatic nucleus |
| Emotions & behavior | Limbic connections |

Flowchart: Functions of Hypothalamus


Hypothalamus
↓
Endocrine Control → Pituitary Hormones (ADH, Oxytocin)
↓
Autonomic Control → Heart Rate, BP, Digestion
↓
Homeostasis → Temp, Hunger, Thirst, Sleep
↓
Behavioral & Emotional Responses

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