Hypothalamus Flashcards
What structures are included in the subcortical forebrain?
Hypothalamus, thalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, basal ganglia
Main functions of the hypothalamus:
Through its effects on automatic nervous system and endocrine (pituitary) glands
• Maintains Body’s homeostasis (body temperature
blood pressure, heart and respiration rates)
• Thirst and hunger
• Growth
• Secondary Sex Characteristics
• Sexual activity
• Reproduction
• Response to stress
• Emotion
• Memory
• Circadian rhythms
How does the hypothalamus influence emotions?
Electrical stimulation or damage to different areas can elicit aggressive behavior or produce crying/laughter
What are the mammillary bodies and their role?
- Part of the hypothalamus
- Play a role in memory
What is the function of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)?
*Regulates the body’s biological clock
*sleep-wake cycles
*Body temperature
How does the hypothalamus affect hormones production?
Stimulates Pituitary Gland to release sex hormones &
release (ACTH) hormone to respond to stress
What hormone does the hypothalamus secrete to regulate reproductive functions?
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
What hormones are sent to the posterior pituitary by the hypothalamus?
P P »_space;» O V
* Oxytocin
* Vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone)
What role does oxytocin play during childbirth?
Stimulates uterine contractions
What is the function of vasopressin in the body?
Regulates water balance by controlling water reabsorption in the kidneys
How do oxytocin and vasopressin relate to social behaviors?
They play a role in:
- social bonding
- trust and cooperation
- emotion recognition
- social memory
- sexual behaviors
- aggression, fear, anxiety, and stress
True or False: Elevated levels of oxytocin inhibit stress responses.
True
How does oxytocin affect blood pressure and cortisol levels during stress?
Reduces blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels
What beneficial effects does oxytocin have for people with autism spectrum disorder?
Helps in recognizing emotions in facial expressions and social-emotional cognition
What inconsistency has been found in studies regarding oxytocin’s effects on healthy adults?
Effects on recognizing emotions in facial expressions are often statistically insignificant or vary by emotion
What adverse effects can high levels of oxytocin have in healthy adults?
Overestimate facial expressions in others, especially of disgust and surprise
What are oxytocin and vasopressin classified as in literature?
Hormones, peptide hormones, and neuropeptides
What Gland(s) the hypothalamus stimulates?
- Pituitary Gland
How is the Hypothalamus’ relation to EMOTIONS confirmed?
Electrical stimulation of or damage to the hypothalamus can elicit aggressive behavior and rage or produce crying or laughter.
What is the role of the hypothalamus in the body’s homeostasis?
It regulates body temperature, blood pressure, appetite, and thirst.
The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in maintaining the internal balance of the body.
How does the hypothalamus influence sexual and reproductive behaviors?
By stimulating the pituitary gland to release sex hormones.
This stimulation affects the development of secondary sex characteristics.
What hormone does the hypothalamus stimulate the pituitary gland to release in response to stress?
ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone).
ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, a stress hormone.
Where is the suprachiasmatic nucleus located?
In the hypothalamus.
It is a crucial component of the body’s biological clock.
What physiological changes does the suprachiasmatic nucleus control?
Circadian rhythms, including the sleep-wake cycle and daily fluctuations in body temperature and hormone release.
These rhythms occur over a 24-hour period.
