Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

12. The Central Nervous System

Introduction to the Central Nervous System

Anatomy & Physiology

12. The Central Nervous System

Introduction to the Central Nervous System

Previous problemNext problem

2:12 minutes

Problem 21

Textbook Question

What varied roles does the hypothalamus play in the body?

Verified step by step guidance

The hypothalamus is a small but crucial structure located in the brain, specifically below the thalamus and above the pituitary gland. It plays a central role in maintaining homeostasis, which is the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

One of its primary roles is regulating the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The hypothalamus controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and respiratory rate by influencing the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS.

The hypothalamus is also responsible for regulating endocrine functions by controlling the pituitary gland. It releases hormones like corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which influence the secretion of hormones from the anterior pituitary.

Another key role of the hypothalamus is in thermoregulation. It monitors the body's temperature and initiates responses such as sweating, shivering, or adjusting blood flow to the skin to maintain an optimal temperature.

The hypothalamus is involved in regulating behaviors related to survival, such as hunger, thirst, and sleep. It monitors nutrient levels, hydration, and circadian rhythms, ensuring the body meets its energy and rest needs.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Homeostasis

Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, such as temperature, hunger, and thirst, to ensure that the body's conditions remain optimal for functioning.

Endocrine System Regulation

The hypothalamus is a key player in the endocrine system, as it produces hormones that control the pituitary gland. This regulation affects numerous bodily functions, including stress response, growth, and reproductive processes, highlighting the hypothalamus's role in coordinating hormonal signals throughout the body.

Autonomic Nervous System Control

The hypothalamus is integral to the autonomic nervous system, which governs involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. By influencing both the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, the hypothalamus helps the body respond to stress and maintain balance in various physiological states.

Watch next

Master The Central Nervous System with a bite sized video explanation from Bruce Bryan

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Coordination of learned movement patterns at the subconscious level is performed by

(a) The cerebellum

(b) The substantia nigra

(d) The hypothalamus

454

views

Textbook Question

Briefly summarize the overall function of the cerebellum.

602

views

Textbook Question

A police officer has just stopped Bill on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. The officer asks Bill to walk the yellow line on the road and then to place the tip of his index finger on the tip of his nose. How would these activities indicate Bill's level of sobriety? Which part of the brain is being tested by these activities?

406

views

Textbook Question

What are the two primary functional roles of the cerebellum?

502

views

Textbook Question

Stimulation of which part of the brain would produce sensations of hunger and thirst?

445

views

Textbook Question

The establishment of emotional states is a function of the:

(a) Limbic system

(b) Tectum

(d) Thalamus

325

views

Textbook Question

Damage to the hippocampus, a component of the limbic system, leads to

(a) A loss of emotion due to forgetfulness

(b) A loss of consciousness

(d) An immediate loss of short-term memory

355

views

Textbook Question

Which structure in the brain is your A&P instructor referring to when talking about a nucleus that resembles a sea horse and that is important in the storage and retrieval of long-term memories? In which functional system of the brain is it located?

391

views

Show more practices

Download the Mobile app

Privacy

Do not sell my personal information

Accessibility

Patent notice

Sitemap