[hahy-puh-thal-uh-muh
s] 
[-mahy] . Anatomy. | 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. |
| hy·po·thal·a·mus (hī'pō-thāl'ə-məs) n. The part of the brain that lies below the thalamus, forming the major portion of the ventral region of the diencephalon and functioning to regulate bodily temperature, certain metabolic processes, and other autonomic activities. hy'po·tha·lam'ic (-thə-lām'ĭk) adj. |
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.
hypothalamus hy·po·thal·a·mus (hī'pō-thāl'ə-məs)
n.
The part of the brain that lies below the thalamus, forming the major portion of the ventral region of the diencephalon, and that regulates bodily temperature, certain metabolic processes, and other autonomic activities.
| hypothalamus (hī'pō-thāl'ə-məs) Pronunciation Key
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. |