Organ
Hypothalamus
Coordinating internal state with behavior and hormones
High-yield
Hypothalamic neurons make vasopressin (ADH) and oxytocin, which are transported to the posterior pituitary for release. Other hypothalamic hormones enter portal blood to regulate the anterior pituitary.
Overview
The hypothalamus lies below the thalamus around the lower third ventricle. Its many interconnected nuclei combine information about the body's internal state with sensory and limbic signals. Through autonomic pathways, behavior and pituitary hormones, it helps regulate temperature, water balance, food intake, sleep timing and reproduction. These functions arise from networks rather than isolated on–off centers.
Reference facts
- Location
- Below the hypothalamic sulcus in the diencephalon, forming the floor and lower lateral walls of the third ventricle
- Parts
- Periventricular, medial and lateral zones containing groups such as the preoptic, supraoptic, paraventricular, suprachiasmatic, arcuate, ventromedial, dorsomedial and posterior nuclei, together with the mammillary bodies
- Blood supply
- Small perforators from vessels around the circle of Willis, including branches of the anterior and posterior communicating arteries
- Relations
- Optic chiasm and preoptic region anteriorly; mammillary region posteriorly; the infundibulum connects the hypothalamus to the pituitary below
- Function
- Coordinates autonomic and endocrine responses with thirst, feeding, temperature regulation, circadian timing, reproduction and behavior
Clinical correlation
Hypothalamic injury can disturb appetite, temperature, sleep or hormone regulation. The traditional lateral 'feeding center' and ventromedial 'satiety center' labels oversimplify interconnected circuits. Damage to the hypothalamic–pituitary system can also cause excessive water loss or inappropriate water retention, including changing phases after pituitary surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the hypothalamus located?
Below the hypothalamic sulcus in the diencephalon, forming the floor and lower lateral walls of the third ventricle.
What does the hypothalamus do?
Coordinates autonomic and endocrine responses with thirst, feeding, temperature regulation, circadian timing, reproduction and behavior.
What are the parts of the hypothalamus?
Periventricular, medial and lateral zones containing groups such as the preoptic, supraoptic, paraventricular, suprachiasmatic, arcuate, ventromedial, dorsomedial and posterior nuclei, together with the mammillary bodies.
What is the blood supply of the hypothalamus?
Small perforators from vessels around the circle of Willis, including branches of the anterior and posterior communicating arteries.