Hypothalamus Overview
- Releasing hormones
- Regulating body temperature
- Maintaining daily physiological cycles
- Controlling appetite
- Managing of sexual behavior
- Regulating emotional responses
Anatomy And function of the Hypothalamus
The anterior region of Hypothalamus
Some of the most important hormones produced in the anterior region include:
- Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH is involved in the body’s response to both physical and emotional stress. It signals the pituitary gland to produce a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH triggers the production of cortisol, an important stress hormone.
- Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH production stimulates the pituitary gland to produce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH plays an important role in the function of many body parts, such as the heart, gastrointestinal tract, and muscles.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH production causes the pituitary gland to produce important reproductive hormones, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
- Oxytocin. This hormone controls many important behaviors and emotions, such as sexual arousal, trust, recognition, and maternal behavior. It’s also involved in some functions of the reproductive system, such as childbirth and lactation.
- Vasopressin. Also called antidiuretic hormone (ADH), this hormone regulates water levels in the body. When vasopressin is released, it signals the kidneys to absorb water.
- Somatostatin. Somatostatin works to stop the pituitary gland from releasing certain hormones, including growth hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormones.
The middle region of hypothalamus
The middle region of the hypothalamus is known as the tuberal region and its primary nuclei are the ventromedial and arcuate nuclei. The ventromedial nucleus controls the appetite and the arcuate nucleus releases the growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce growth hormone (as its name so thoroughly explains).
Medical conditions
When the hypothalamus doesn’t work properly, it’s called hypothalamic dysfunction.
Several things can cause hypothalamic dysfunction, including:
- head injuries
- certain genetic disorders, such as growth hormone deficiency
- birth defects involving the brain or hypothalamus
- tumors in or around the hypothalamus
- eating disorders, such as anorexia
- autoimmune conditions
- surgery involving the brain
Hypothalamic dysfunction plays a role in many conditions, including:
- Diabetes insipidus. If the hypothalamus doesn’t produce and release enough vasopressin, the kidneys can remove too much water. This causes increased urination and thirst. Unlike people with diabetes mellitus, people with diabetes insipidus have stable blood sugar levels.
- Prader-Willi syndrome. This is a rare, inherited disorder. It causes the hypothalamus to not register when someone is full after eating. People with Prader-Willi syndrome have a constant urge to eat, increasing their risk of obesity. Additional symptoms include a slower metabolism and decreased muscle.
- Hypopituitarism. This disorder happens when the pituitary gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. While it’s usually caused by damage to the pituitary gland, hypothalamic dysfunction can also cause it. Many hormones produced by the hypothalamus directly affect those produced by the pituitary gland.
Some Tips for a healthy
While some hypothalamus conditions are unavoidable, there are a few things you can do to keep your hypothalamus healthy.
Do some Exercise
Like eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep, regular exercise boosts your overall health. However, if you’re having trouble with the diet part, exercise is particularly important. A 2012 study involving mice found that even a mild amount of regular exercise reduced hypothalamic inflammation related to a high-fat diet.
Eat a balanced diet
According to study, while eating a balanced diet is important for every body part, it’s especially crucial when it comes to the hypothalamus. A recent study in mice found that eating a high-fat diet led to inflammation of the hypothalamus.
Another study in mice found that a high-sugar diet also caused inflammation of the hypothalamus. To reduce your risk, make sure you’re aware of how much sugar you consume per day.
Get enough sleep
A 2014 study found that sleep deprivation was associated with hypothalamic dysfunction in rats. In addition, researchers involved in the study suggest that sleep deprivation may increase someone’s risk of neurological diseases.
