Hypothalamus: Hormones, the Limbic System and the Brain

Hypothalamus is a part of the brain that comprises several small nuclei which perform various roles. One of the significant functions of hypothalamus is to connect the nervous system to the endocrine system with the help of pituitary gland. It is a part of the limbic system and is positioned underneath the thalamus. The hypothalamus is found in all vertebrate brains and forms the ventral part of the diencephalon. It regulates some metabolic processes and other activities of the autonomic nervous system. It also synthesizes and secretes specific neurohormones, which are also known as releasing/inhibiting hormones or the hypothalamus hormones. This results in stimulating or inhibiting the secretion of hormones through pituitary gland. Thirst, sleep, body temperature, crucial aspects of parenting and attachment behaviors, circadian rhythms, hunger, and fatigue are controlled by the hypothalamus. The central neuroendocrine function is responsible for controlling the anterior pituitary that regulates various endocrine organs and glands. This book explores all the important aspects of hypothalamus hormones, and its significance for the limbic system and the brain. Scientists and students actively engaged in the study of hypothalamus will find this book full of crucial and unexplored concepts.