Question

Name the part of the brain that functions as an endocrine gland.

Answer 1

The hypothalamus plays a significant role in the endocrine system. It is responsible for maintaining your body’s internal balance, which is known as homeostasis. To do this, the hypothalamus helps stimulate or inhibit many of your body’s key processes, including:

• Heart rate and blood pressure
• Body temperature
• Fluid and electrolyte balance, including thirst
  
• Appetite and body weight
  
• Glandular secretions of the stomach and intestines
  
• Production of substances that influence the pituitary gland to release hormones
  
• Sleep cycles
  

The hypothalamus is involved in many functions of the autonomic nervous system, as it receives information from nearly all parts of the nervous system. As such, it is considered the link between the nervous system and the endocrine system.