What is the function of the hypothalamus?

The hypothalamus, with its small size, is a brain structure literally vital for the functioning of the body. Here we tell you why.

The hypothalamus is an area in the center of the brain that, although small, has many functions. It stands out that it plays an important role in the production of hormones. Additionally, it helps stimulate many fundamental processes in the body.

What’s more, when the hypothalamus does not function properly, it can cause organic problems that lead to many disorders. On the other hand, although diseases of the hypothalamus are rare, it is important to keep it healthy to reduce the risk.

The word hypothalamus comes from two Greek words that translate as “under the thalamus.” This is where the hypothalamus is located, below the thalamus and above the pituitary gland. We are talking about a small area of the brain, which does not mean that it plays a crucial role in the body by influencing both the endocrine and nervous systems.

Functional anatomy of the hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is quite small in size: it weighs only 5 to 8 grams, 0.3% of the brain volume of an adult. It occupies the most ventral portion of the diencephalon (the midbrain), located at the base of the third ventricle.

The hypothalamus also has efferent connections to the brainstem, giving it a role in involuntary vital functions, and to the telencephalon.

Close to the thalamus, it forms a relevant part of the limbic system, hence it plays a role in the regulation of emotions. On the other hand, it is also connected to the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland through the infundibulum (what is known as the hypothalamic-pituitary axis), so it also participates in hormonal production and regulation.

A simple way to study the anatomy of the hypothalamus is to divide it into regions. Let’s see this classification:

Previous region: In this area, several neuronal nuclei dedicated to the secretion of hormones congregate.Middle area: responsible for controlling appetite and stimulating the production of hormones involved in body growth.Posterior region: here body temperature is controlled through sweating and other mechanisms, such as piloerection or shivering.

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Features

The state of organic balance is known as homeostasis. The body is always trying to achieve/improve this balance. Thus, the main job of the hypothalamus is to regulate different conditions to achieve this.

To do this, The hypothalamus acts as the connector between the endocrine and nervous systems. In fact, it plays a role in many essential body functions, such as regulating body temperature, thirst, and appetite.

It also interferes with the regulation of emotions, sleep cycles, childbirth, blood pressure and heart rate, as well as in the production of digestive juices and the balance of body fluids. In addition, it is considered that chemical substances are formed in the hypothalamus that generate anger, sadness, the feeling of falling in love, sexual satisfaction, among others.

As signals are sent to the brain from different areas of the body, the hypothalamus responds by releasing the correct hormones into the bloodstream to balance the body.

Hypothalamic hormones

To maintain this balance, The hypothalamus is one of the main responsible for the functioning of the endocrine system. In addition, it is also closely related to the pituitary gland, which produces and sends other important hormones.

So, The hypothalamus and pituitary gland work together to control the entire endocrine system. To do this, the glands that produce many of the body’s hormones. This includes the adrenal glands, kidneys, and thyroid gland.

Hormones secreted by the hypothalamus include:

The Antidiuretic hormonewhich increases the amount of water that the kidneys absorb into the blood.Corticotropin-releasing hormoneswhich help regulate metabolism and immune response by working with the pituitary gland and adrenal gland to release certain steroids. gonadotropin releasing hormoneswhich tell the pituitary gland to release hormones that keep the sexual organs functioning. oxytocinwhich is involved in many processes, including the release of breast milk, body temperature, and the mother’s sleep cycles. hormones that control prolactinwhich tell the pituitary gland to start or stop producing breast milk in nursing mothers. thyrotropin releasing hormonewhich activates the thyroid, releasing hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels and developmental growth. growth hormoneswhich tell the pituitary gland to increase or decrease its number in the body.

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Hypothalamus disorders

Any disorder that prevents the hypothalamus from functioning properly is known as hypothalamic disease. Hypothalamic diseases are very difficult to specify because their number is very large.

The hypothalamus also plays the role of signaling the pituitary gland to release hormones to the rest of the endocrine system.. Because doctors find it difficult to diagnose which gland is not working properly, these disorders are often called hypothalamus-pituitary disorders. In these cases, there are some tests that evaluate the functioning of the endocrine system and that provide clues to identify the root of the disorder.

The most common causes of hypothalamic diseases are head injuries that affect the hypothalamus.. Surgeries can also affect the hypothalamus, as can radiation and tumors. In some cases, there may also be a genetic link to hypothalamic disease. Additional causes of hypothalamic disease may include:

Eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia. Diets high in saturated fats. Tumors. Genetic disorders that cause excessive iron accumulation in the body. Malnutrition. Inflammation. Infections. Excessive bleeding. Symptoms of hypothalamus disorders.

Hypothalamic symptoms

When this part of the brain is affected or damaged, the functions it controls are decreased or altered. Let’s look at some symptoms of hypothalamic dysfunction:

Changes in appetite: increased or decreased. Weight gain or loss. Sleeping difficulties. Dehydration. Polyuria (increased frequency of urination). Body temperature imbalances. Hypopressure or high blood pressure. Development or growth problems.

How to promote the health of the hypothalamus

Because the hypothalamus plays such a vital role in the body, it is essential to care for it and keep it in good health.. Although genetic factors cannot be avoided, there are some dietary steps that help it work better.

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The hypothalamus controls appetite and is in fact affected by the food consumed. Studies have shown that diets high in saturated fat can alter the function of the hypothalamus that regulates hunger and energy expenditure.

It has also been found that Diets rich in saturated fats have an inflammatory effect on the body. This can affect the immune system, making it more likely to turn against healthy cells in the body, increasing inflammation in the gut, and disrupting the body’s natural functioning.

Diets rich in polyunsaturated fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, may help reverse/attenuate this inflammation. These fats can be a safe alternative to other types of oils and fats. Among foods high in omega-3 we find fish, walnuts, flax seeds and green leafy vegetables.

In this sense, to promote the health of the hypothalamus and improve brain function it is important to consume fruits and vegetables. rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C and group B vitamins.

It should be noted that the hypothalamus is one of the most crucial parts of the body; However, we rarely realize it is there until it starts to malfunction. Keeping it in good working order helps prevent a large number of diseases.