The hypothalamus is a small area of the brain but it is of great importance and its correct functioning is essential for our body and mind, so it is important to take care of it.
Therefore, below in Psychology-Online, we will see the different functions of this small area, what the hypothalamus-pituitary axis is as well as what the thalamus is and its functions. Finally, we will talk about different diseases that can occur due to the malfunction of these systems and the cause of them. Known What is the function of the hypothalamus, its location and hormones and diseases related.
Where is the hypothalamus located?
The hypothalamus is located inside our brainmore or less in the middle of the same, just below the thalamus and above the pituitary gland. It influences both the endocrine system and the connections between both systems, as well as the autonomic system, which is why it is key to the main functions of the human body. Next we will see specifically the tasks performed by the hypothalamus.
The thalamus is responsible for processing sensory information – that is, information captured through the sense organs -, memory processes, emotions and different motor functions. In it, information is integrated (except for olfactory information) and distributed to the different relevant areas of the brain.
Functions of the hypothalamus
As we have seen, the hypothalamus is located in a central location, ideal for being connected to other areas and performing all its functions. Among the most important functions of the hypothalamus, we find:
- Coordinates the autonomic nervous system. First of all, the hypothalamus is responsible for transmitting information and orders to the different organs. Therefore, it can regulate the movement of food within our body, the heart rate and the contraction of the diaphragm.
- Regulates satiety. That is, one of the functions of the hypothalamus is to tell us when we are full.
- Regulates the sensation of thirst to prevent us from becoming dehydrated.
- Regulate our temperature. If it is detected that the body is too hot, it activates processes (such as sweat) to lower the temperature, for example.
- Regulate the circadian rhythm It is another of the functions of the hypothalamus, so it is essential for sleep-wake.
- Regulates emotions: the hypothalamus participates in the emotions of anger, sadness, sexual satisfaction, falling in love…
- Another function of the hypothalamus is hormone production such as , essential for parental attitudes, for facilitating childbirth by distending the uterine cervix and for breastfeeding. Another hormone it produces is the antidiuretic hormone, responsible for the water balance in our body.
Hypothalamic-pituitary axis
The pituitary gland and hypothalamus together they control the function of several endocrine glands, such as the thyroid, adrenal glands and gonads. They also participate in various physiological activities. Many of the functions mentioned in the previous point would be controlled specifically in the part of the hypothalamus that is located in this axis. In this way, we will have:
- Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis: here you would find the regulation of stress, digestion, the immune system, emotions, sexual behavior and energy metabolism.
- Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis: is responsible for the development of the male and female gonads and their functions, that is, the production of eggs in women and the production of sperm in men.
- Hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis: here the production of thyroid hormone is regulated, responsible for regulating the basal metabolism of our body.
Some diseases caused by poor functioning of the hypothalamus
The hypothalamus or the hypothalamic-pituitary axis can begin to malfunction due to various causes. The most common is due to head trauma, but there are many others:
- Eating disorders can damage the functioning of these areas.
- Genetic causes that cause excess iron production.
- Diets high in saturated fats.
- Malnutrition
- Inflammation.
- excessive bleeding
Some of the diseases that can develop as a result of this malfunction are:
Diabetes insipidus
Excessive water loss due to excessive water excretion. There are usually feelings of being thirsty and constant urge to urinate. Dehydration may occur.
Inappropriate ACH secretion syndrome
An excess of vasopressin is produced in the blood, which can cause excessive sodium elimination in the urine, which can lead to headaches, apathy, nausea, vomiting, disorders of consciousness and, in the most serious cases, apnea, coma or death.
Hypopituitarism
Depending on which specific hormone is in short supply, short stature, infertility, intolerance to cold, fatigue and inability to produce breast milk can occur.
Pituitary tumors
Depending on the specific area affected, various problems can occur such as hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome (high levels of cortisol), gigantism, milk secretion or irregular menstrual periods in women or decreased sexual functioning in men.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Dorsey JF, Salinas RD, Dang M, et al. Cancer of the central nervous system. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff’s Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 63.
- Melmed S, Kleinberg D. Pituitary masses and tumors. In: Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 9.
- Nieuwehuys, R., Voogd, J., & Van Huijzen, C. (2009). The human central nervous system. Pan American Medical.