Hypothalamus

It is part of the nervous system.

Part of the Diencephalon.

 

Dozen nuclei in four regions:

Mammilary region - smell.

Tuberal - contains the infundibulum (funnel) - connects pituitary gland to hypothalamus.

Supraoptic - superior to optic chiasm, contains hypothalamohypophyseal tract - extends through infundibulum to

posterior pituitary.

Preoptic - regulates some autonomic activities.

 

The hypothalamus is a major regulator of homeostasis:

- control of ANS.

- emotional and behavioural patterns.

- body temperature.

- circadian rhythms and consciousness.

 

Hypothalamus Images

 

Adrenal Cortex

Amygdala

Anterior pituitary

Basal Ganglia

Diencephalon

Hippocampus

Limbic System

Medulla

Parathyroid

Pineal

Pituitary

Posterior pituitary

Thalamus

Thymus

Thyroid

 

Body Parts

 

Anatomy Index

 

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© Greg Chambers 2005 These notes may be reproduced and used for all non-profit teaching and publication. The Author reserves all other rights.