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Your hypothalamus performs many of its “body balancing” jobs either by directly influencing the autonomic nervous system or by managing hormones. Your autonomic nervous system (bodily functions that work automatically) control several important functions, such as your heart rate and breathing (respiration). Hormones are the “chemical messengers” that travel in your bloodstream to another part of your body. Hormones communicate either with another endocrine gland (which release other hormones) or with a specific organ. Your hypothalamus:
How does the hypothalamus interact with the pituitary gland?Your pituitary gland sits just below your hypothalamus. It consists of two lobes, called the anterior pituitary and posterior pituitary. Your hypothalamus is connected to and communicates with your anterior lobe through a network of blood vessels. It communicates with your posterior lobe by tissue called the pituitary stalk. Your hypothalamus sends signals in the form of releasing hormones to tell the anterior and posterior pituitary when to release (secrete) its hormones. Anterior pituitaryThis chart shows the hormones released by your hypothalamus to your anterior pituitary, the hormone the pituitary releases in turn and what the hormone does.
Posterior pituitaryYour hypothalamus makes two hormones but stores them in the posterior pituitary. When these hormones are needed, your hypothalamus sends a signal to the posterior pituitary to release them into the bloodstream. These two hormones are:
Other roles of the hypothalamusYour hypothalamus also produces these hormones:
Your hypothalamus also corrects any imbalances in body temperature, stress and your daily bodily rhythms. AnatomyWhere is the hypothalamus located?Your hypothalamus, which is about the size of an almond, is located below the thalamus and above your pituitary gland. It sits directly above the brainstem at the base of your brain. Conditions and DisordersWhat happens if the hypothalamus is damaged?When your hypothalamus is damaged, it doesn’t function as it should. Another term for when there’s a problem with your hypothalamus is hypothalamic dysfunction. Causes of hypothalamic dysfunction include:
Hypothalamus dysfunction plays a role in:
What are the symptoms of hypothalamus dysfunction?Symptoms of hypothalamus dysfunction correspond to the types of hormone involved and if the hormone level is too low or too high. Some symptoms of a hypothalamus problem may include:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Your brain’s hypothalamus is the “smart control” coordinating center of your body. Just like your home’s “smart control” system automatically adjusts heat, cold, security and everything you need to have a successfully functioning home, so too does your hypothalamus serve in this same capacity in your body. It works directly on your autonomic system to seamlessly manage such functions as your heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. It also works by releasing hormones that direct other hormones or other glands to manage other bodily functions like sleep, mood, muscle and bone growth and sexual drive. Many conditions can affect your hypothalamus, causing a wide range of health problems. What controls temperature endocrine activity metabolism and thirst?The hypothalamus controls your pulse, thirst, appetite, sleep patterns, and other processes in your body that happen automatically. The hypothalamus also controls the pituitary gland, which makes the hormones that control growth, metabolism, water and mineral balance, sexual maturity, and response to stress.
What are the 4 main functions of the nervous system?The four main functions of the nervous system are:. Control of body's internal environment to maintain 'homeostasis' An example of this is the regulation of body temperature. ... . Programming of spinal cord reflexes. An example of this is the stretch reflex. ... . Memory and learning. ... . Voluntary control of movement.. What does the autonomic nervous system control?The autonomic nervous system is a component of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary physiologic processes including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion, and sexual arousal.
What part of the nervous system controls the body's voluntary activities?Your peripheral nervous system contains your: Somatic nervous system, which guides your voluntary movements. Autonomic nervous system, which controls the activities you do without thinking about them.
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