Maintaining body temperature: it is responsible for maintaining constant body temperature by controlling the respiratory rate and sweating through the anterior hypothalamus (parasympathetic), and dissipating heat through the anterior hypothalamus (sympathetic).The hypothalamus is critical to keeping humans alive as it controls and coordinates many of the vital functions, as well as other important functions. More than talking about the function of the hypothalamus, we must talk about functions.

What are the functions of the hypothalamus?

It also has to do with the regulation of memory and the energy that we have. In fact, the pituitary gland controls a small gland at the base of the brain, just below the hypothalamus, which in turn makes sure the adrenal glands, ovaries, testes, and thyroid gland function properly.Īt the same time, it regulates blood pressure, hormonal function, hormones and growth factors. On the other hand, it intervenes in the coordination of the female menstrual cycle and spermatogenesis in men, effecting a balance of hormones. Oxytocin is also released in this part of the brain, which is related to orgasm and maternal and paternal behavior.

If there is no clarity, this gland secretes melatonin to be able to sleep, but if there is, then it releases less of this substance so that we remain awake. This detects changes in light, data that it sends to the epiphysis or pineal gland located in the hypothalamus. This is done through one of its nuclei that receives information from the retina. Something similar to do with sleep and circadian rhythms. Through different hormones and peptides it helps regulate thirst and appetite. Thus, it is responsible for maintaining constant body temperature so that it controls sweating and respiratory rate, along with other elements. The hypothalamus is essential for human beings, as it is responsible for controlling various vital functions. Its size is like that of a pea, but despite this it has a number of neurons that no other organ has. That is why it is considered an endocrine organ that, together with the thalamus, forms the diencephalon, forming part of the limbic system. This place in the brain is responsible for controlling the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system. What happens if your hypothalamus is damaged?ĭamage to the hypothalamus may cause changes in appetite, weight gain or loss, trouble sleeping, fluctuations in body temperature, and high or low blood pressure. In this post we are going to answer the question ‘’What happens if your hypothalamus is damaged?’’ We explain how the hypothalamus works, what its main functions are and what consequences damage to this brain structure would bring. Therefore, an alteration in this part can have important consequences for health in general. It is the area in which hormones are produced that control body temperature, hunger, thirst, moods, libido, sleep, and heart rate, among others. The hypothalamus is a tiny structure that is part of our brain and behind which are many of our vital functions.

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