The hypothalamus is a small area in the center of the brain. It plays an important role in hormone production and helps to stimulate many bodily processes. Show
When the hypothalamus is not working properly, it can cause problems in the body that lead to a wide range of rare disorders. Function Share on PinterestRuben Tresserras/Getty Images The hypothalamus’ main role is to keep the body inhomeostasisas much as possible. Homeostasis means a healthy and balanced internal state. The body is always trying to achieve this balance. The hypothalamus works between the endocrine and nervous systems. The endocrine system is a network of hormone-producing glands and organs that help regulate bodily functions. As different systems and parts of the body send signals to the brain, they can alert the hypothalamus to any unbalanced factors that need addressing. The hypothalamus responds by stimulating relevant endocrine activity to address this balance. For example, if the hypothalamus receives a signal that the internal temperature is too high, it will tell the body to sweat. If it receives the signal that the temperature is too cold, the body will create its own heat by shivering. It also plays a role in:
Hormones of the hypothalamusTo maintain homeostasis, the hypothalamusworks withthe pituitary gland to control hormone production. This includes the thyroid and parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries (in females), and testis (in males). The endocrine system is responsible for maintaining blood pressure, heart rate, production of digestive enzymes, and maintaining balanced body fluids. Interaction with the pituitary glandIn conjunction with the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus secretes the following hormones:
The hypothalamus also directly influences growth hormones. It commands the pituitary gland to either increase or decrease levels in the body,which is essentialfor both growing children and fully developed adults. Disorders Ahypothalamic diseaseis any disorder that prevents the hypothalamus from functioning correctly. These diseases can be hard to pinpoint and diagnose because the hypothalamus has a wide range of roles in the endocrine system. The hypothalamus also serves the vital purpose of signaling that the pituitary gland should release hormones to the rest of the endocrine system. As it is difficult for doctors to diagnose a specific, incorrectly functioning gland, these disorders are often calledhypothalamic-pituitary disorders. In these cases, there are some hormone tests that doctors might order to get to the root of the disorder. Causes and risk factorsSome hypothalamic diseases have agenetic link. For instance, the hereditary conditionKallman syndromecauses hypothalamic problems in children. This disorder presents most noticeably as delayed or absent puberty, accompanied by an impaired sense of smell. Hypothalamus problems also appear to have a genetic link in Prader-Willi Syndrome. This is a condition in which a missing chromosome leads to short stature and hypothalamic dysfunction. Physical damage to the hypothalamusOne of the most common causes of hypothalamic dysfunction is traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI is aleading causeof morbidity and mortality in young adults. There appears to be a high prevalence of hypopituitarism following a TBI. This could be secondary to damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland directly. It is also believed thatpost-TBI neuroinflammationcan cause the pituitary gland to dysfunction. Or, it could be caused by an insufficient supply of hypothalamic-releasing hormones. Sheehan syndrome is another condition that can lead to hypopituitarism. This condition involves necrosis of the pituitary gland due to excessive blood loss in childbirth. Because this disorder can easily be treated with hormone replacement therapy, people should be closely monitored for up to a year after a TBI for early detection and treatment of hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction. Additional causes of hypothalamic dysfunction may include:
Symptoms of hypothalamus disordersSymptoms ofhypothalamus disordersvary depending on what hormones are in short supply. Children might show signs of abnormal growth and abnormal puberty. Adults might show symptoms linked to the various hormones their bodies cannot produce. There is usually a traceable link between the absent hormones and the symptoms they produce in the body. Tumor symptoms might include visual disturbances, seizures, or headaches. If the sex hormones are affected, symptoms might present as erectile dysfunction or decreased libido. Low adrenal function might produce symptoms such as weakness and dizziness. Symptoms caused by an overactive thyroid gland may include:
Diet tips for hypothalamus healthThe hypothalamus controls appetite, and foods in the diet influence the hypothalamus.Researchshows that diets high in saturated fats and sugars can alter the way the hypothalamus regulates hunger and energy expenditure, leading to hypothalamic dysfunction. Sources of saturated fats include lard, meat, and dairy products. Diets high in polyunsaturated fats, like omega-3 fatty acids, can help tocontrolinflammation. These fats might be a safe alternative to other types of oils and fats. Foods with high omega-3 fatty acids include fish, walnuts, flax seeds, and leafy green vegetables. Summary The hypothalamus is in a small area in the brain’s center. It is essential in many body functions, from growth and development to mood, heart health, and childbirth. There is an important relationship between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, and dysfunction of one will lead to dysfunction of the other. Together, with other essential glands, they make up the body’s vital endocrine system. When the hypothalamus is not functioning correctly, it can affect essential moving parts of the human organism. Dysfunction can be the result of disease or trauma. What controls temperature endocrine activity and thirst?Control of temperature, endocrine activity, metabolism, and thirst are functions associated with the hypothalamus.
What does the ANS 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.
How does the nervous system and endocrine system work together?For one, the endocrine system uses chemical signaling (hormones, produced by glands) while the nervous system uses electrical signaling (neural impulses). The signal transmission of the nervous system is fast because neurons are interconnected, but the functions are more short-lived.
What part of the nervous system controls the body's voluntary activities?The somatic nervous system is made up of motor neurons and sensory neurons that help the body perform voluntary activities.
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