Hypothalamus
Definition
The hypothalamus is a small region of the brain that serves as the main control center for autonomic functions. It plays a crucial role in many important functions, including releasing hormones and regulating body temperature.
Analogy
Think of the hypothalamus as the thermostat of your house. Just like how a thermostat controls the temperature inside your home, the hypothalamus regulates your body's internal conditions such as hunger, thirst, sleep, and body temperature.
Related terms
Pituitary Gland: This is often called the "master gland" because it controls other glands' activities in the endocrine system, including those controlled by the hypothalamus.
Homeostasis: This term refers to any process that living things use to actively maintain fairly stable conditions necessary for survival.
Endocrine System: This is a network of glands in your body that make hormones to help cells communicate with each other.
"Hypothalamus" appears in:
Study guides (4)
Practice Questions (3)
- What is the primary role of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?
- What function does the hypothalamus play in maintaining homeostasis?
- Which experiment could provide insight into the hypothalamus's role in regulating hunger?
Resources
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