![]() The hypothalamus regulates the pituitary gland. Neurons in the hypothalamus have been linked to our biological clock. Osmoreceptors (modified neurons) in the hypothalamus respond to changing salt concentrations in the blood which in turn elicit responses from the kidneys as well as regulate thirst. Select neurons respond to blood levels of nutrients and regulate feelings of hunger or satiety. Select groups of hypothalamic neurons monitor blood temperature directly as well as respond to inputs from other thermoreceptors throughout the body and then send appropriate signals to systems that help regulate body temperature such as sweat glands. Hypothalamic neurons are involved in the perception of pleasure, fear and rage. The hypothalamus regulates many of the activities of the activity of the autonomic nervous system by controlling centers in the brain stem and spinal cord. (functions we don't have to consciously think about). The autonomic nervous system is a system of neurons that automatically regulate function such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, etc. Table: Select homeostatic roles of the hypothalamus. Some of the important functions of the hypothalamus are listed in the table below. Due to the key role it plays it maintaining normal body function it is sometimes referred to as the brain within the brain. As such, it is chiefly concerned with maintaining homeostasis. The hypothalamus is the visceral control center, it regulates functions of the internal organs. The hypothalamus is so named because of its position below the thalamus. In addition, it is thought to play an important role in maintained the aroused state and damage to the thalamus can result in coma. ![]() It also plays an important role in regulating out states of sleep and wakefulness. "Thalamic control of sensory selection in divided attention," Nature, October 21, 2015. A recent study suggest that the thalamus plays an important role in our ability to concentrate on the task at hand by ignoring distracting sensory input. Thus, specific localizations and interpretation of stimuli occur in the cerebral cortex but only after careful sorting through the gate keeper, the thalamus. The thalamus edits and sorts out information and then categorizes similar functions to be relayed as a group to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex. With the exception of smell, afferent neurons from all parts of the body converge and synapse in the thalamus which in turn relays the information to specific regions of the cerebral cortex. The Thalamusīy the simplest definition, the thalamus is the sorter or relay center for information coming into the cerebral cortex from all parts of the body (sensory impulses). Downloaded from Image Quest Britannica BYU-Idaho.ĭiagram illustrating the diencephalon, including the thalamus, hypothalamus and epithalamus (pineal gland). It is the connection between the brain stem and the cerebrum and consists of three gray matter structures the thalamus, the hypothalamus and the epithalamus (see figure below). Some types of primary brainstem tumors include glioma, meningioma, and acoustic neuroma.The diencephalon (interbrain) is a region at the core of the brain and is surrounded by the cerebral hemispheres. Brain tumor: A primary brain tumor can develop in any region of the brain and cancer from elsewhere in the body can spread to the brain.The aneurysm can compress structures in the brainstem, may impair blood supply, or may cause severe effects if it bleeds. Brain aneurysm: A brain aneurysm can affect blood vessels in any location of the brain, including the blood vessels near the brainstem.Movement disorders: Several movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, are associated with dysfunction and degeneration of certain areas of the brainstem, such as the substantia nigra and the red nucleus.This can produce life-threatening effects, such as breathing impairment. Increased intracranial pressure: When there is swelling in the brain, such as due to a head trauma, a stroke, or an infection, it can place pressure on the brainstem, affecting its function.Multiple sclerosis (MS): The white matter of the brainstem can be affected by demyelination in MS, leading to symptoms that may be reversible, progressively worse over years, or permanent, depending on the type of MS.
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