Anti-Aging, Health & Nutrition Facts

Hypothalamus Gland In the news lately: “The hypothalamus controls body weight and appetite, but it is not entirely clear how. Sensory inputs, including taste, smell, and gut distension, all tell the hypothalamus if we are hungry, full, or smelling a steak.”

Hypothalamus Gland Info

The hypothalamus is a region of the brain that controls a number of physical functions. It is located in the middle of the base of the brain, and “shortens” the ventral portion of the third ventricle.

The hypothalamus gland regulates body temperature, blood sugar, water balance, fat metabolism, feeding habits, sleep, sexual behavior, emotions, hormone productions, and the autonomic nervous system.

It directs the “fight or flight” response of the autonomic nervous system. Fear or excitement causes signals to travel to the hypothalamus, which triggers a rapid heartbeat, faster breathing, widening of the pupils, and increased blood flow.

The hypothalamus can be regarded as the thermostat controlling the temperature of the body. It initiates shivering and contraction or expansion of blood vessels.

The hypothalamus triggers behaviors such as putting on or removing clothes, turning on the heat, or moving into the shade.It also regulates other glands such as thyroid, pancreas, ovaries etc. This amazing gland takes up less than 1% of the brain.

The hypothalamus is rich in ganglia, nerve fibers, and synaptic connections. It is composed of several sections called nuclei, each of which controls a specific function.

The hypothalamus links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland (hypophysis). The hypothalamus, is located below the thalamus, just above the brain stem. This gland occupies the major portion of the ventral region of the diencephalon. It is found in all mammalian brains. In humans, it is roughly the size of an almond.

The hypothalamus regulates certain metabolic processes and other activities of the Autonomic Nervous System. It synthesizes and secretes neurohormones, often called hypothalamic-releasing hormones, and these in turn stimulate or inhibit the secretion of pituitary hormones.

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