Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus sits beneath the thalamus (hypo = latin for under).
A large number of nuclei and fibre tracts have been described in the hypothalamus. Some of
these are ill-defined and have no known function, while others have been studied in detail both
anatomically and physiologically. The following table illustrates the main nuclei along with their functions.
A large number of nuclei and fibre tracts have been described in the hypothalamus. Some of
these are ill-defined and have no known function, while others have been studied in detail both
anatomically and physiologically. The following table illustrates the main nuclei along with their functions.
| Nuclei | Function(s) |
|---|---|
| Suprachiasmatic | Circadian rhythm |
| Preoptic | Secretes GnRH to stimulate LH and FSH in the anterior pituitary Regulates body temperature |
| Paraventricular | Synthesizes oxytocin |
| Anterior | Regulates parasympathetics to keep cool |
| Posterior | Regulates sympathetics to keep warm |
| Supraoptic | Synthesizes ADH |
| Arcuate | Releases dopamine GHRH to anterior pituitary Hunger & satiety |
| Dorsomedial | Stimulate gastrointestinal system, hunger |
| Ventromedial | Satiety |
| Lateral | Hunger and thirst |
| Dorsomedial | Triggers shivering |
