Summary
The hypothalamus links the nervous and endocrine systems by controlling pituitary hormone release.
In depth
The hypothalamus regulates temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep and hormones. Releasing hormones travel in portal vessels to the anterior pituitary, and ADH and oxytocin are made in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary.
The hypothalamus is small but controls homeostasis. It receives inputs from circulating hormones and the nervous system.
Example: hypothalamic damage may disrupt temperature control.
Frequently asked questions
What is Hypothalamus and Pituitary?
The hypothalamus links the nervous and endocrine systems by controlling pituitary hormone release.
Which area of biology covers Hypothalamus and Pituitary, and how advanced is it?
Hypothalamus and Pituitary is one of the 54 topics in Neuroscience. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Sleep and Circadian Rhythm, Limbic System, Serotonin and Mood.
Can you give an example of Hypothalamus and Pituitary?
Damage may cause diabetes insipidus.
What should I learn before Hypothalamus and Pituitary?
Work through the Beginner topics in Neuroscience first, such as Nervous System, Neuron, Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems, then return to Hypothalamus and Pituitary. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Hypothalamus and Pituitary?
The closest topics to Hypothalamus and Pituitary are Sleep and Circadian Rhythm, Limbic System, Serotonin and Mood, Hippocampus and Memory Consolidation. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Hypothalamus and Pituitary?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Hypothalamus and Pituitary. To practise the whole of Neuroscience, use the Neuroscience quiz.
How is Hypothalamus and Pituitary different from Sleep and Circadian Rhythm?
Hypothalamus and Pituitary: The hypothalamus links the nervous and endocrine systems by controlling pituitary hormone release. Sleep and Circadian Rhythm: The suprachiasmatic nucleus synchronises body clocks to light through melatonin and clock genes. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Hypothalamus and Pituitary step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Sleep and Circadian Rhythm and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Neuroscience quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.