Answer
The hypothalamus is a small part of the diencephalon, and is located inferior to the thalamus.This structure is considered to be part of the nervous system as well as part of the endocrine system. The reason for this double assignment is that the hypothalamus functions both as an endocrine gland, and as part of the nervous system.
Nervous system functions of hypothalamus:
The hypothalamus integrates and controls impulses of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)
As part of the limbic system it mediates emotional behavior
It regulates feeding, satiety, and thirst .
It is the thermostat that monitors body temperature
It regulates the circadian rhythms and states of consciousness
The hypothalamus also monitors sensory impulses for vision and taste. Furthermore, it regulates
peristalsis, and constriction of the urinary bladder; it also monitors blood osmotic pressure,
[ blood glucose] , and plasma levels of hormones.
Work Step by Step
Endocrine functions of the hypothalamus
As a a member of the endocrine system the hypothalamus carries out the following functions:
The hypothalamus secretes hormones and delivers them via the median eminence (ME) to the
anterior pituitary (AP). Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnrH) stimulates secretion and release
of AP hormones, while gonadotropin inhibiting hormone suppresses AP secretion of hormones.
Axons from the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus reach the posterior
pituitary (PP) by way of the infundibulum. The cell bodies of these neurons make two hormones
oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH). PP hormones are carried from the hypothalamus into
the PP by the hypothalamohypophyseal tract. There these hormones are stored for release into the
blood stream as needed. The PP itself does not synthesize hormones.
