Definition | Hypothalamus | Futura Health

The hypothalamus is an area of ​​the brain that interacts closely with the pituitary gland. © Mayo

The hypothalamus is part of the <a data-tooltip = "" href = "https://www.futura-sciences.com/sante/definitions/corps-humain-systeme-nerveux-central-15268/" class = "tooltip -link "data-color =" pink "data-title =" Central nervous system "data-number =" "data-copy =" The central nervous system is a place for processing information; it is the nervous system central that the motor commands leave towards the effectors: muscles and glands, which allow the body's reaction to a stimulus.
Role and function of the central nervous system
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Function of the hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is a small region located in the heart of the brain, which serves as a bridge between the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system. It is indeed involved in the regulation of major functions such as hunger, thirst, sleep where the body temperature. It is also involved in sexual behavior and emotions.

Its functions endocrine (secretion neurohormones) regulate the endocrine function ofpituitary, the gland located below.

The hormones secreted by the hypothalamus all, or almost all, influence the production of pituitary hormones:

• the dopamine inhibits the production of prolactin ;
• thyroid stimulating hormone (TRH) stimulates the production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH);
• somatocrinin (GH-RH) allows the release of growth hormone somatotrophin (STH);
• somatostatin (GH-RIH) inhibits the release of STH;
• gonadoliberin (or GnRH) is responsible for the synthesis and secretion of FSH and some LH (Hormones);
• corticoliberine (CRH) promotes the production of corticotropic hormone (ACTH);
• theoxytocin (involved in uterine contractions, lactation and attachment) and vasopressin (an antidiuretic hormone) are synthesized by the hypothalamus but released by the pituitary gland into the bloodstream.

Structure of the hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is small (a few cubic centimeters) and made up of many pairs of nuclei formed by nerve cells, located under the thalamus and above the pituitary gland. A small rod also connects the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus, the pituitary rod.

The neurons of the hypothalamus synthesize the different hormones and release them into a first network of capillaries which come together to form a vein, the system door hypothalamic-pituitary. This transports hormones from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland, where the hormones are released by a second capillary network to activate the pituitary neurons.