Hypothalamus
Clark Mannas and
Harrison Cardwell
4B
Overview





The hypothalamus is located in
the brain
It is central, under the thalamus
Some of the main functions
involve body temperature
control and the linking of the
nervous system to the endocrine
system with the pituitary gland.
The hypothalamus has many
distinct nuclei
It is highly connected with other
parts of the brain and nervous
system
Hormone Production






Gonadotropin (releasing hormone – GnRH) Controls follicle
stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH),
stimulates testes and ovaries
Thyrotropin (releasing hormone – TRH) Promotes thryoid
stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin (PRL) secretion
Corticotropin (releasing hormone – CRH) Promotes growth
hormone (GH) secretion
Somatostatin Inhibits GH and TSH secretion
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) Prevents dehydration through
reduced urine volume and subsequent greater water
retention
Oxytocin (OT) Responsible for feelings of lust and love, is
especially prevalent in sexual intercourse
Regulation
 The
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis is unique
in its self-regulation; the hormones of one
(for instance, cortisol, an inhibitor for the
hypothalamus) will bind to the other,
stoppping further production
 This perfect, symbiotic relationship is
referred to as negative feedback
inhibition
Hypothalamic disease




Hypothalamic disease can be caused by eating
disorders or malnutrition, as well as genetic
disorders or trauma
This can interfere with hormone production as well
as the maintenance of homeostasis
The vast area of effect yields symptoms ranging
from vision loss to tumors to impotence
As far as treatment, the tumors can be dealt with
through surgery or radiation, where the hormone
deficiencies can be handled with a replacement
of those that are lacking
Sources

http://quizlet.com/5823150/eight-hormones-producedin-the-hypothalamus-flash-cards/

http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/oxytocin

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/00120
2.htm

http://courses.washington.edu/conj/bess/feedback/ne
wfeedback.html