Chapter 16: Hypothalamus Flashcards
Where in the neural tube is the hypothalamus found?
Diencephalon
What does the hypothalamus do?
It mediates homeostasis
What is homeostasis?
The balanced functioning of physiological processes and maintenance of an organism’s internal environment within a narrow range
Ex. Temperature, Blood pressure
How is the hypothalamic nuclei divided?
Into three regions
Periventricular area
Medial Hypothalamic area
Lateral Hypothalamic area
What is in the periventricular area of the hypothalamus?
Periventricular nucleus
What is in the medual hypothalamic area of the hypothalamus?
It is divided into 4 regions from rostral to caudal
Preoptic area
Anterior (supraoptic) region
Middle (tuberal) region
Posterior (mammillary) region
What is in the lateral hypothalamic area of the hypothalamus?
Lateral preoptic nucleus
Lateral hypothalamic nucleus
How does the hypothalamus mediate homeostasis?
By controlling autonomic nervous system, endocrine system and motivated homeostatic behaviors (feeding, drinking)
What is the hypothalamic control of the posterior pituitary?
Magnocellular neurosecretory cells
Secrete two hormones into a capillary bed in the posterior pituitary
Oxytocin and Vasopressin
What is oxytocin?
Uterine contractions
Milk letdown reflex
The “love hormone”
Levels rise during sexual behavior
Promotes social bonding
What is vasopressin?
(Antidiuretic hormone, ADH)
Regulates blood volume
Salt concentration
What is the hypothalamic control of the anterior pituitary?
Parvocellular neurosecretory cells
Secrete releasing hormones into the hypothalamic-pituitary portal circulation
Release or stop releasing hormones into blood
What happens to the body by the release of cortisol during stress response?
Releases glucose into your bloodstream
Increases blood pressure for increased physical activity
Stimulates brain for more intense awareness
Immune system activity is reduced to save energy for physical activity
What are the steps of the HPA axis?
- Stress is felt in the hypothalamus
- Parvocellular neurosecretory neurons release corticotropic-releasing hormone (CRH)
- Anterior pituitary releases ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)
- ACTH acts on adrenal cortex. Adrenal cortex releases cortisol
- Cortisol inhibits CRH release when the stress response is over.
What does the hypothalamus control?
Endocrine System
Autonomic Nervous System
Motivated Homeostatic Behaviors
What is the autonomic nervous system?
Sympathetic and Parasympathetic