Hypothalamus Flashcards
Functions of the hypothalamus
TAN HATS
- -Thirst and water balance
- -Adenohypophysis control (regulates anterior pituitary)
- -Neurohypophysis releases hormones produced in the hypothalamus
- -Hunger
- -Autonomic regulation
- -Temperature regulation
- -Sexual urges
Supraoptic nucleus function
Produces ADH (antidiuretic hormone)
Paraventricular nucleus function
Produces oxytocin
Lateral area function
Stimulate hunger (feeding)
destruction of this area –> anorexia, failure to thrive (infants) (starvation)
This area is inhibited by leptin
Ventromedial area function
Stimulates Satiety
destruction (e.g., craniopharyngeoma) –> hyperphagia
Stimulated by leptin
“if you zap the ventromedial nucleus, you grow ventrally and medially”
Anterior hypothalamus function
Stimulates cooling, parasympathetic
Posterior hypothalamus function
Heating, sympathetic
Suprachiasmatic nucleus
circadian rhythm
The suprachiasmatic nucleus receives direct input from the retina, and plays a role in controlling circadian rhythms. Environmental light regulates the activity of the pineal glad (secretes melatonin) through the retinal-suprachiasmatic-pineal pathway.
Result of destruction of the septal nucleus
aggressive behavior