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Hypothalamus

What is the main function of hypothalamus?

What is the main function of hypothalamus?

The hypothalamus is a part of the brain that has a vital role in controlling many bodily functions including the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.

Hypothalamic gland function

The hypothalamus acts as a link between the endocrine glands and the nervous system, playing an important role in many basic functions of the body, the most important of which is maintaining a stable balance in the body.

The hypothalamus responds to signals from the internal and external environment and controls:

  • Regulating body temperature.
  • thirst;
  • Control of appetite.
  • Managing sexual behavior.
  • sleep.
  • Birth.
  • Blood pressure and heart rate.
  • Production of digestive juices.
  • Balancing body fluids.
  • Regulating emotional response.

Anatomy of the hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is connected to the pituitary gland by neural and chemical pathways. The posterior part of the hypothalamus called the median eminence contains the nerve endings of many neurosecretory cells that pass through the hypothalamic stalk to the pituitary gland.

Important structures adjacent to the median eminence include the mammary bodies, the third ventricle, and the optic chiasm.

Hormones secreted by the hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is responsible for the formation and control of many hormones.

It works with the pituitary gland which manufactures and sends other important hormones in the body by controlling many endocrine glands such as the adrenal cortex , gonads and thyroid gland.

The hormones secreted by the hypothalamus are:

1. Antidiuretic hormone

Antidiuretic hormone increases the amount of water the kidneys absorb into the blood.

2. Corticotropin-releasing hormone الهرمون

It helps regulate the metabolism and immune response by working with the pituitary and adrenal glands to secrete corticosteroids.

3. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone

It directs the pituitary gland to secrete hormones that keep the reproductive organs functioning.

4. Oxytocin

It participates in many processes such as secretion of milk, lowering the temperature and regulating the sleep cycle.

5. Hormones that control prolactin

These are hormones that tell the pituitary gland to start or stop milk production in breastfeeding mothers.

6. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone

It activates the thyroid gland, which is responsible for regulating metabolism, energy levels, and growth. It also affects growth hormones, ordering the pituitary gland to increase or decrease them in the body.

Hypothalamic gland dysfunction

There are many causes of hypothalamic gland dysfunction such as surgery, brain injury, tumors, radiation, infection, head injury and significant weight loss.

Symptoms appear due to imbalances in hormones or lost brain signals. Growth problems occur in children either with increased or decreased growth, and puberty may occur too early or too late.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism also appear if the thyroid gland is affected, such as feeling cold all the time, constipation, fatigue, weight gain and others.

Symptoms of adrenal gland involvement, if affected, include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and lack of interest in activities.

Insufficient production of antidiuretic hormone also leads to diabetes insipidus, due to the inability of the kidneys to reabsorb water, which leads to increased excretion of dilute urine and drinking large amounts of water.

source : wikipedia

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