hypothalamus

[ hahy-puh-thal-uh-muhs ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

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

From New Latin, dating back to 1895–1900; hypo-, thalamus

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Compare Meanings

How does hypothalamus compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

hypothalamus vs. thalamus

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Example Sentences

When the hypothalamus, a structure in the brain that acts like the control room for the HPA axis, detects high levels of cortisol in the blood, it’s supposed to say “okay, my work is done here,” and shut the stress response down.

From Popular-Science

Dexamethasone is a drug that tells the hypothalamus to suppress the stress-response system.

From Popular-Science

Once the amygdala is activated, it cues the hypothalamus, the hormone-controlling section of the brain, to release adrenaline and prepare our muscles for action.

From Popular-Science

The hypothalamus becomes super-charged, the dopamine sets to racing—to violins, the piano, anything.

From The Daily Beast

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