Question

What is the role of hypothalamus in the endocrine system?

Answer 1

Hypothalamus:

Location:

1. Present in the posterior part of the forebrain.
2. Hypothalamus acts on the pituitary & modulates their secretions.
3. It produces releasing factors and inhibiting factors.
4. Releasing factors stimulate the pituitary to secrete hormones and inhibiting factors inhibit the secretion of pituitary hormones.
5. These factors get to reach into pituitary gland via the portal circulatory system of regulating the functions of the anterior pituitary.
6. The posterior pituitary is under the direct neural regulation of the hypothalamus.

Function:

1. It integrates and controls visceral activities.
2. Assists in the maintenance of homeostasis.
3. Controls growth of sexual behavior.
4. Appetite, thirst, and safety (feeling of being satisfied ) is being associated with this region.
5. It also enhances respiration and heartbeat.
6. It controls releasing hormones (which stimulate secretion of pituitary hormones) and inhibitory hormones (which inhibit secretion of pituitary hormones) secretions.