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hypothalamus
[ hahy-puh-thal-uh-muhs ]
noun
, Anatomy.
, plural hy·po·thal·a·mi [hahy-p, uh, -, thal, -, uh, -mahy].
- a region of the brain, between the thalamus and the midbrain, that functions as the main control center for the autonomic nervous system by regulating sleep cycles, body temperature, appetite, etc., and that acts as an endocrine gland by producing hormones, including the releasing factors that control the hormonal secretions of the pituitary gland.
hypothalamus
/ ˌhaɪpəθəˈlæmɪk; ˌhaɪpəˈθæləməs /
noun
- a neural control centre at the base of the brain, concerned with hunger, thirst, satiety, and other autonomic functions
hypothalamus
/ hī′pō-thăl′ə-məs /
- The part of the brain in vertebrate animals that lies below the thalamus and cerebrum. The hypothalamus controls the autonomic nervous system and the secretion of hormones by the pituitary gland. Through these nerve and hormone channels, the hypothalamus regulates many vital biological processes, including body temperature, blood pressure, thirst, hunger, and the sleep-wake cycle.
hypothalamus
- The part of the brain that controls hunger, thirst, and body temperature and regulates various activities in the body connected with metabolism , including the maintaining of water balance. The hypothalamus also controls the action of the pituitary gland .
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Derived Forms
- hypothalamic, adjective
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Other Words From
- hy·po·tha·lam·ic [hahy-poh-th, uh, -, lam, -ik, hip-oh-], adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of hypothalamus1
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Example Sentences
The hypothalamus becomes super-charged, the dopamine sets to racing—to violins, the piano, anything.
From The Daily Beast
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