The Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is a small cone-shaped structure located in the middle of the base of the brain. It serves as the primary link between the nervous system and the endocrine system via the pituitary gland and controls several important bodily functions. The hypothalamus can be considered to belong to both the nervous and endocrine systems. This important neuro-endocrine gland activates and controls some areas of the nervous system that controls involuntary body functions, and many endocrine functions. The hypothalamus contains several cells that secrete brain chemicals and projects directly to the ‘master gland’ commonly known as the pituitary gland. Brain chemicals produced and secreted by the hypothalamus include epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine. The major function of the hypothalamus is to keep the entire human body in perfect harmony, otherwise known as maintenance of homeostasis in scientific lingo. The hypothalamus serves as a relay station to transmit communication signals and messages from many parts of the brain to the pituitary gland. Like other components of the brain, the hypothalamus consists of interconnecting nerve cells with a rich blood supply. Nerve cells from the hypothalamus control the pituitary gland by stimulating the production and release of hormones that either suppress or stimulate hormone secretions from the pituitary. Moreover, hormones produced by the hypothalamus relay signals to the pituitary gland, which in turn transmits its own signals to various parts of the human body. These signals regulates blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, fatigue, anger, circadian cycles, thirst, food intake, hunger, appetite, and obesity by stimulating the production and secretion of hypothalamic-releasing hormones. The major hormones released by the hypothalamus include growth hormone-releasing hormone, growth hormone-inhibiting hormone, corticotrophin-releasing hormone, and thyrotrophic-releasing hormone. Because of its vital brain functions, the hypothalamus can be regarded as the ‘brain of the brain.’ Loss of motor and sensory functions in patients with Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease are believed to be due to a degenerative process that damages multiple areas of the central and peripheral nervous system, including the hypothalamus.