Hypothalamus MRCPsych course

MRCPsych course

Functions of Hypothalamus

 

ANTERIOR part of Hypothalamus

Anterior nucleus – to cool down body. Parasympathetic

Supraoptic nucleus – ADH release- regulates water intake

Preoptic nucleus – sexual & reproductive function 

Suprachiasmatic nucleus – circadian rhythm (biological clock)- sleep-wake cycle

CENTRAL part of Hypothalamus

Paraventricular nucleus – oxytocin – milk ejection, contraction of uterus at birth

Ventromedial nucleus – satiety centre. (lesion causes hyperphagia)

Dorsomedial nucleus -

Lateral nucleus -  hunger centre (lesion causes anorexia)

Arcuate nucleus – 

POSTERIOR part  of HYPOTHALAMUS

Posterior nucleus – to keep body warm. Sympathetic

Mammillary nucleus – part of limbic - emotion e.g. fear, rage

 

Functions of Hypothalamus (mnemonics SEAFEAST):

• Sexual & reproductive function
• Endocrine – control release of hormones from adenohypophysis & neurohypophysis
  
• Autonomic nervous system regulation
• Fluids - maintenance of body fluids
• Emotional regulation
• Appetite/food intake contol
• Sleep-wake cycle
• Temperature control of body

MRCPsych course