hypothalamus
Hormone control center
The hypothalamus is a small region at the base of the brain that regulates essential body functions: temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep, and hormone release.
It connects the nervous system to the endocrine system through the pituitary gland, orchestrating responses to stress, arousal, and homeostatic needs.
Damage to the hypothalamus can disrupt appetite and sleep cycles.
Bonding neurotransmitter from hypothalamus
- vasopressinFluid-conserving pituitary hormone
- dopamineReward-linked neural messenger
- antidiuretic hormonePituitary peptide reducing urination
- neurohormonesNerve-secreted bloodstream messengers
Need for nourishment
- satietyState of being full
- leptinFat-derived hunger regulator
- ghrelinAppetite-stimulating stomach peptide
- energy expenditurePower used by activity
Brain-base hormone gland
- limbic systemEmotional brain structures
- amygdalaEmotion-processing brain cluster
- hippocampusMemory formation region
- brainstemLower neural trunk
Maintaining stable internal heat
- osmoregulationMaintaining internal solute balance
- circadian rhythmBuilt-in sleep-wake cycle
- feedback loopSelf-modifying cyclical process
- body temperatureInternal heat level
energy balance · sleep-wake cycle · fever response · heat dissipation · shivering · sweating · thirst · electrolyte balance
Body's reaction to threat
- fearEmotional response to threat
- rageIntense, violent anger
- pleasureHappy, satisfied feeling
- rewardPayment for service
aggression · mating behavior · defensive behavior · fight-or-flight · emotional regulation · anxiety · arousal · bonding
oxytocin
Bonding neurotransmitter from hypothalamus
- vasopressinFluid-conserving pituitary hormone
- dopamineReward-linked neural messenger
- antidiuretic hormonePituitary peptide reducing urination
hunger
Need for nourishment
- satietyState of being full
- leptinFat-derived hunger regulator
- ghrelinAppetite-stimulating stomach peptide
energy expenditure · anorexia · appetite suppression · feeding behavior
pituitary
Brain-base hormone gland
- limbic systemEmotional brain structures
- amygdalaEmotion-processing brain cluster
- hippocampusMemory formation region
brainstem · mammillary bodies · third ventricle · neuroendocrine
thermoregulation
Maintaining stable internal heat
- osmoregulationMaintaining internal solute balance
- circadian rhythmBuilt-in sleep-wake cycle
- feedback loopSelf-modifying cyclical process
body temperature · energy balance · sleep-wake cycle · fever response · heat dissipation · shivering · sweating · thirst · electrolyte balance · metabolic rate
stress response
Body's reaction to threat
reward · aggression · mating behavior · defensive behavior · fight-or-flight · emotional regulation · anxiety · arousal · bonding · social behavior
- limbic systemhippocampus, amygdala, fornix, mammillary bodies, entorhinal cortex
- body partsarm, leg, hand, back, chest
- anatomybrain, heart, bones, liver, stomach
- braincerebrum, cerebellum, cortex, hippocampus, brainstem
- brain anatomybrain, cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, cortex
- brain sciencebrain scan, brain research, brain map, brain imaging, brain chemistry
hypothalamuscerebral cortex
Brain's outer neural sheet
prefrontal cortex · neocortex · frontal lobe · cerebrum · cortex
hypothalamuspituitary gland
Brain-base hormone producer
thesis, hypothesis, hypothesize, hypothesized, thalamus, hypothesizing, hypothesizes