The hypothalamus is a small, vital section of the brain located just below the thalamus; it is in charge of numerous important bodily functions. The hypothalamus is shaped like a cone and ends in the pituitary stalk, a part of the pituitary gland. It forms the major portion of the ventral region of diencephalons, and oversees autonomic and metabolic processes. The hypothalamus is the connection between the nervous system and the endocrine system, creating this link by producing and secreting neurohormones that in turn stimulate the anterior pituitary gland to secrete hormones. The hypothalamus is central in the regulation of body temperature, hunger, thirst, and in the management of emotions and sexual activity.
The hypothalamus situated …show more content…

Neurotransmission is one form of neurosecretion were one neuron communicates with another in a synapse. This type of neurosecretion is an electrical impulse where one cell emits a chemical substance, called a neurotransmitter, into the synaptic space. Important neurotransmitters which include: epinephrine, norephinephrine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and more recently neuropeptides. Neuropeptides function as both neurotransmitters and as neuromodulators, in which they act as stimulators of neurotransmission. The release of neurotransmittors that are modified by neuromodulators makes sure that the whole system is well organized and directed. The then created neuron connections go up into the hypothalamus, and enable intellectual and functional activities to be brought into the hypothalamus and endocrine system. The hypothalamus also produces neurohormones, whose major function is to stimulate the anterior pituitary gland to release hormones. Neurohormones are composed of chains of amino acids, known as peptides, which could be a chain of just three amino acids to up to 44.
Consistent body temperature is very important, and a simple fluctuation of a few degrees can cause acute illnesses and complications. The hypothalamus controls temperature with regulatory mechanisms, such as sweating, panting, and increased blood flow to the skin to lower, all used to lower