Question

The hypothalamus is important in what body functions?

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Answer 1

Answer

- Hypothalamus is neuroendocrine organ that links nervous system to endocrine system.

- It is a part of diencephalon in the brain.

The functions of hypothamaus in body includes :

• Hypothalamus produces regulatory hormones (releasing and inhibiting hormones) to control the secretions from anterior pituitary gland.
• Hypothalamus produces ADH and oxytocin hormones that are stored in posterior pituitary gland. Release of these hormones is controlled by hypothalamus.
• Hypothalamus contains osmoreceptors that detect osmolarity of body fluids and activate a negative feedback control to maintain homeostasis. Hypothalamus maintains osmolarity by controlling the release of anti-diuretic hormone from posterior pituitary gland.
• Hypothalamus detects fluid volume in the body and promotes thirst during dehydration.  
• Hypothalamus also acts as a temperature control center. It signals sweating when body temperature is above normal and it signals muscle contractions (shivering) when body temperature is below normal to maintain homeostasis.
• It is also a center for feeding and satiety that regulated food intake in an individual.
• Anterior portion of hypothalamus is also responsible for maintaining circardian rhythm.