Hypothalamic Nuclei

Question 1

Anterior nucleus

Answer 1

Regulates body temp
Detects overheating (vasodilation)
Damage: hypothermia
(Preoptic)

Question 2

Medial preoptic area

Answer 2

Controls reproduction
Releases GnRH
Linked to sexual orientation
(Preoptic)

Question 3

Lateral preoptic nucleus

Answer 3

Promotes sleeping (by interacting with brain stem nuclei)
Damage: insomnia
(Preoptic)

Question 4

Superchiasmatic nucleus

Answer 4

Controls circadian rhythm
Based on light signals from retina
(Supraoptic)

Question 5

Supraoptic nucleus

Answer 5

Produces vasopressin
Damage: diabetes insipidus
(Supraoptic)

Question 6

Paraventricular nucleus

Answer 6

Produces oxytocin and cortisol
(Supraoptic)

Question 7

Ventromedial hypothalamus

Answer 7

Signals when you’re full
(Tuberal)

Question 8

Lateral hypothalamus

Answer 8

Makes you hungry
(Tuberal)

Question 9

Posterior nucleus

Answer 9

Controls heat conservation
Shivering and vasoconstriction
Damage: hypothermia
(Posterior)

Question 10

Mammillary bodies

Answer 10

Memory processing
Part of papez circuit
(Posterior)