Controls the coordination of movement of the hypothalamus. Anatomy and physiology of the hypothalamus

The structure of the brain is very complex and not fully understood. modern science, despite the fact that it has quite a lot of information about the functions and anatomy of the brain, in all likelihood, it is still very far from understanding all the processes that occur in it. Hypothalamus - what is it, how is it arranged, what hormones does it produce and what are they for? This article will focus on the important and mysterious gland of the human body.

Development (of the hypothalamus) begins in the early period of embryogenesis, in the process of brain development, a portion of the diencephalon is formed from the anterior and posterior cerebral bladder.

The hypothalamus is one of the divisions of the diencephalon, which regulates a large number of functions that occur in the body. It is very closely connected with the pituitary gland, and together they are involved in the regulation of the precise work of many organs and systems, while forming the hypothalamic-pituitary complex. Where is the hypothalamus located, what is its structure and functions, what hormones does it produce, and much more will be discussed later. Below is a diagram of the hypothalamic-pituitary system.

Description of the hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is located in the intermediate part of the brain and consists of a large number of nuclei. This is an extremely important human organ, which has a direct connection with the central nervous system. The hypothalamus is located below the thalamus, hence its name. This organ is separated from the thalamus by a barrier, but its boundaries are rather blurred, since some of its cells spread to neighboring departments.

What is the hypothalamus? It is a subcortical structure, about the size of a pea, but of great importance. To clearly explain the functions of the hypothalamus, we can give a simple example. The person did not have time to have breakfast in the morning and his stomach growls, gradually the hunger intensifies, and the person cannot concentrate on anything at all, since his thoughts are only occupied with food.

Discomfort intensifies, and the person, leaving everything, begins to eat any food that comes across to him. This whole process is under the control of the hypothalamus. Simply put, if this gland ceased to take part in the work of the body, people simply would not know when they need to eat, and simply starved to death. Naturally, this is a very simple example, and the functions of the hypothalamus are much more extensive.

The structure of the hypothalamus

The structure (hypothalamus) is quite complex, its nuclei are nerve cells and neurosecretory cells, which have 32 pairs. Until the end, the anatomy of this organ has not yet been studied, however, scientists continue to study the work of the hypothalamus. The nerve cells of the nuclei do not perform a secretory function, but hormones are produced in the neurosecretory cells, which are called hypothalamic hormones or neurohormones.

The divisions of the hypothalamus are not clearly represented, but are divided into anterior, middle, and posterior. Their function is different - in the nuclei of the anterior and middle sections, the regulation of parasympathetic and autonomic nervous system organism. In the posterior region, the sympathetic system is regulated. Thus, the hypothalamus has a connection with the central nervous system.

The physiology of the hypothalamus is extremely interesting - its vessels have increased permeability, so even large polypeptides can penetrate into them. This feature of the structure determines the sensitivity of the gland to various changes in the internal environment of the body. What else is remarkable about the histology and physiology of such an important gland as the hypothalamus? Its histological structure differs from other parts of the brain in that it has the most powerful circulatory system and simply a huge number of capillaries.

Functions of the hypothalamus

The function of the hypothalamus is to shape the eating and drinking behavior of a person, and it also controls other physiological needs of a person and the aggression of people. Simply put, this gland is the center of emotions. If some of its sections are stimulated, then a person develops negative emotions - anxiety, fear, when other sections are simulated, irritation occurs, and when the third sections are irritated, a feeling of euphoria, joy and pleasure appears.

Considering the hypothalamus, its functions can be reduced to the following:

• regulation of sleep and wakefulness;
• regulation of the temperature balance of the body - physical processes are under the control of the front section, and the rear section is responsible for chemical ones;
• centers (hypothalamus) ensure the supply and distribution of energy;
• gland performs control of metabolic processes;
• the central area of ​​hematopoiesis is also located in this gland.

It is this gland that gives impetus to the synthesis of hormones in the pituitary gland. Moreover, each tropic hormone is accompanied by hypothalamic hormones, they are called liberins.

When it produces liberins, the synthesis of pituitary hormones occurs, which are necessary for the endocrine function to work properly. When tropic hormones are produced in sufficient quantities, the process of liberin synthesis is inhibited, other hormones of the hypothalamus, called statins, are responsible for this process.

The subconscious mind, about which psychotherapists talk so much, is also directly related to the hypothalamus. Absolutely everything that a person has read, seen or heard does not disappear into nowhere, but remains in the deep layers of the psyche, and has an impact on the functioning of the body in the psycho-emotional sense. In addition, it is believed that aging and the hypothalamus are also closely related. Having understood what the hypothalamus is responsible for, you can proceed to the analysis of its hormones.

hypothalamic hormones

Libirins and statins were mentioned above, however, these are not all hormones of the hypothalamus, the following neurohormones have now been studied:

1. Gonadoliberins- Hormones of the hypothalamus, which are responsible for the synthesis of sex hormones. In addition, these hormones are involved in the formation of sexual desire, as well as regulate the menstrual cycle and the release of a mature egg. Gonadoliberin deficiency causes hormonal deficiency and female infertility.
2. Somatoliberin is a hormone responsible for the release of growth substances; iron most actively produces this hormone in childhood, and with its insufficiency, dwarfism develops.
3. Corticoliberin- this hormone provokes the synthesis of anticorticotropic pituitary hormones. With its lack, the adrenal glands suffer.
4. Prolactoliberin actively produced during pregnancy and lactation.
5. Dopamine, somastatin, melanostatin Hormones that suppress the production of tropic pituitary hormones.
6. Melanoiberin- a hormone involved in the synthesis of melanin.
7. Thyroliberin controls thyroid-stimulating hormones.

What processes control the synthesis of neurohormones? This control is carried out by the nervous system, and in some cases it affects the hormones and the cells of the pituitary gland as well. The table below shows the classification of hormones.

The role of the hypothalamus in vegetative

Its role in the regulation of vegetative functions is great. When the nuclei of the anterior part of the gland are irritated, sympathetic effects are observed in the work of the organs; when the nuclei of the middle part are irritated, the sympathetic influence weakens. However, such a distribution of functionality is not absolute, and both structures of the hypothalamus are capable of influencing sympathetic and parasympathetic. In this way, anatomical features sections of the hypothalamus functionally complement each other and compensate.

Due to the fact that the hypothalamus has close connection with the cerebral cortex, under its control is the function of blood circulation, respiration, peristalsis, endocrine work of the body and other processes that are under the influence of vegetation.

Pathologies of the hypothalamus

There is such a thing as hypothalamic syndrome - this is a complex of problems and diseases of a vegetative and endocrine nature that occur during pathological processes in the hypothalamus.

Pathological processes in the hypothalamic region of the brain may be caused by the following reasons:

• a brain tumor located near the hypothalamus and exerting pressure on it;
• traumatic brain injury affecting the hypothalamic region;
• neurointoxication;
• vascular diseases;
• neuroinfections of viral and bacterial origin;
• stress, strong mental stress;
• hormonal changes;
• congenital pathologies.

Hypothalamic syndrome is manifested by increased weakness, intolerance to changing weather conditions, emotional disorders, a tendency to allergies, sweating, tachycardia, sleep disturbance, blood pressure surges, and so on.

In most cases, the hypothalamic syndrome is complicated by hirsutism, gynecomastia, malfunctions in menstrual cycle, uterine bleeding, polycystic ovaries. The main symptom of the hypothalamic syndrome is the presence of frequent vegetative paroxysms, which can lead not only to a decrease in performance, but even to its complete loss.

Other pathologies of the hypothalamus:

• hypopituitarism - violations in the functionality of the gonads that inhibit a person's puberty, and also cause problems with libido, potency, body weight and growth;
• neurogenic diabetes insipidus;
• tertiary hypothyroidism;
• growth and development disorders.

With pathologies and diseases of the hypothalamus, a person may experience personality changes, memory impairment, emotional shifts, and manic outbursts. Endocrinologists, gynecologists and neurologists will help improve the patient's condition.

The hypothalamus is located deep in the brain, forming the walls of the third ventricle.

The hypothalamus is the highest subcortical center for the integration of vegetative, emotional and motivational reactions, regulation of motor (motor), metabolic, energy and other responses aimed at adapting and correcting behavior. The hypothalamus, together with the brain stem structures, maintains and regulates blood circulation (heart function and vascular tone), regulates metabolism (endocrine and external secretion glands), controls the body's energy metabolism, water, fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. It supports and coordinates all processes in the body, ensuring the constancy of the internal environment (the so-called homeostasis). At the same time, together with the nearby structures of the diencephalic region, it controls emotions, behavior, and sleep.

The hypothalamus is located in the very center of the brain.

It contains about 48 nuclei (an accumulation of nerve cells), some of which are directly connected to the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is the center of endocrine regulation in the body, it regulates the function of the adrenal glands, thymus, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, some functions of the pancreas, sex glands.

The hypothalamus is directly involved in sleep, awakening, mood formation, in response to stress and in stress itself, in motivation and behavioral responses. Examples of dysfunction of the hypothalamus are hyperexcitability syndrome ( hyperactive children) and post-traumatic stress syndrome.

The hypothalamus can be compared with the central computer in the human body, a kind of relay station, to which all information about the numerous vegetative (not subject to consciousness) functions of the body flows. He is in charge of heart rate, body temperature, hunger and satiety, sleep, sexual reflex (search for a couple), he determines temperament (emotions, aggressiveness, etc.). The overwhelming flow of information reaches the hypothalamus, but does not enter the cerebral cortex. Human consciousness is not able to process such a flow of information and consciously make an adequate adjustment of body functions. The hypothalamus is largely an independent "instance" of the brain, which is programmed for the "automatic" regulation of all vegetative processes in the body. A conscious analysis of such a volume of information is even theoretically impossible; it is unrealistic to “digest” it to the mind. Yes, and it is not necessary. The system of regulation of autonomic functions is debugged by nature and is tuned according to the feedback principle: request - response, more - less ... At the same time, the regulation parameters involving the hypothalamus are "calibrated" and implemented within a clear physiological framework.

For more low levels(brain stem, spinal cord) processes are regulated reflexively. The task of the hypothalamus, like that of a top manager, is to balance all the processes in the body and bring them to the specified physiological parameters.

For example, physical activity or stress occur with an increase in heart rate. At the same time, the heart rate is only the visible (tangible) part of the regulation. At the same time, the hypothalamus regulates the volume and strength of cardiac output, vascular tone in various parts of the body, thereby redistributing blood to various vascular pools. For example, you need to urgently supply blood to working muscles. At the same time, rapid breathing also requires blood to the lungs, which intensively absorb the oxygen necessary for the muscles and, of course, the heart. It is important not to forget about the brain, which must continue to analyze the situation, think where to run and what to do. A little later, the hypothalamus turns on sweating to cool the skin in order to prevent overheating. At the same time, the hypothalamus must control the level of stress and other hormones, not deprive the kidneys of blood flow (with a critical decrease in renal blood flow, the kidneys will live no more than a few hours) .... And not only to provide an influx to the muscles that work while running. This is approximately the role of the hypothalamus in the example of only one physiological process - the banal physical activity. There are incommensurably more processes of this kind in the body, all the endocrine glands participate in them - the adrenal glands, the thyroid gland, the gonads and many other organs that are closely related to each other. All these complex processes proceed in a coordinated, simultaneous manner and are regulated by the hypothalamus.

Any failure in regulatory function hypothalamus leads to serious damage. For instance, VSD (vegetative-vascular dystonia), post-traumatic stress reactions (), hypothalamic syndrome, the treatment of which is possible only with the understanding structural organization hypothalamus, localization of the nuclei (see figure below) and its many connections with other brain structures and endocrine organs. For example, the treatment of VVD and prolonged post-traumatic reactions will not be effective without stabilization of the function of the periventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus (internal protocol of the Institute No. 57/2001).

To understand the complexity of the regulatory systems of the hypothalamus, below is a diagram of the regulation of the endocrine glands and smooth muscles (intestine, liver ducts, pancreatic jedes, etc.) with the participation of psycho-emotional factors tied to the hypothalamus. The scheme is given by pathophysiologist D. Hubel

Abstract on the topic:

Hypothalamus. Physiology of the hypothalamus.

Completed by: Andreeva Julia 4207

Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is the outer subcortical center of the autonomic nervous system. This hypotuberous region of the diencephalon has long been an important object of various scientific studies.

Currently, the method of electrode implantation is widely used to study various brain structures. Using a special stereotaxic technique, electrodes are inserted through a burr hole in the skull into any given area of ​​the brain. The electrodes are insulated throughout, only their tip is free. By including electrodes in the circuit, it is possible to irritate certain zones narrowly locally.

In this work, some theoretical and physiological aspects of this region of the diencephalon are considered.

General functions of the hypothalamus.

In vertebrates, the hypothalamus is the main nerve center responsible for regulating the internal environment of the body.

Phylogenetically, this is a rather old part of the brain, and therefore, in terrestrial mammals, its structure is relatively the same, in contrast to the organization of such younger structures as the neocortex and the limbic system.

The hypothalamus controls all major homeostatic processes. While a decerebrated animal can be saved quite easily, special intensive measures are required to maintain the life of an animal with a removed hypothalamus, since such an animal has destroyed the main homeostatic mechanisms.

The principle of homeostasis lies in the fact that under a wide variety of conditions of the body associated with its adaptation to dramatically changing environmental conditions (for example, under thermal or cold effects, during intense physical activity, and so on), the internal environment remains constant and its parameters fluctuate only within very narrow limits. The presence and high efficiency of homeostasis mechanisms in mammals, and in particular in humans, provide the possibility of their vital activity under significant changes in the environment. Animals unable to maintain some parameters of the internal environment are forced to live in a narrower range of environmental parameters.

For example: The ability of frogs to thermoregulate is so limited that in order to survive in the conditions of winter cold, they have to sink to the bottom of reservoirs where the water will not freeze. On the contrary, many mammals can live as freely in winter as in summer, despite significant temperature fluctuations.

From this it is clear that due to the weak development of homeostasis mechanisms, these animals are less free in their life activity, and if the hypothalamus is removed, homeostatic processes are consequently disturbed, then special intensive measures are necessary to maintain the life activity of this animal.

Functional anatomy of the hypothalamus.

Location of the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a small region of the brain weighing about 5 grams. The hypothalamus does not have clear boundaries, and therefore it can be considered as part of a network of neurons stretching from the midbrain through the hypothalamus to the deep regions of the forebrain, closely related to the phylogenetically old olfactory system. The hypothalamus is the ventral part of the diencephalon, it lies below (ventral to) the thalamus, forming the lower half of the wall of the third ventricle. The lower border of the hypothalamus is the midbrain, and the upper border is the end plate, anterior commissure and optic chiasm. Lateral to the hypothalamus is the optic tract, internal capsule, and subthalamic structures.

The structure of the hypothalamus. In the transverse direction, the hypothalamus can be divided into three zones: 1) Periventricular; 2) medial; 3) Lateral.

The periventricular zone is a thin strip adjacent to the third ventricle. In the medial zone, several nuclear regions are distinguished, located in the anteroposterior direction. The preoptic region phylogenetically belongs to the forebrain, but it is usually referred to as the hypothalamus.

From the ventromedial region of the hypothalamus, the pituitary stalk begins, connecting to the adeno- and neurohypophysis. The front of this leg is called the median eminence. The processes of many neurons of the preoptic and anterior regions of the hypothalamus, as well as the ventromedial and infundibular nuclei, terminate there (Fig. 1 - numbers: 1, 4, 5); here, hormones are released from these processes, which enter through the system of portal vessels to the anterior pituitary gland. The totality of nuclear zones, which contain similar hormone-producing neurons, is called the pituitary region. (Fig. 1 - the area marked with a broken line).

The processes of the neurons of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei (Fig. 1 - numbers 2 and 3) go to the posterior pituitary gland (these neurons regulate the formation and release of oxytocin and ADT, or vasopressin). It is impossible to link the specific functions of the hypothalamus with its individual nuclei, with the exception of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei.

There are no separate nuclear regions in the lateral hypothalamus. The neurons of this zone are diffusely located around the medial bundle of the forebrain, which runs in a rastral-caudal direction from the lateral formations of the base of the limbic system to the anterior centers of the diencephalon. This bundle consists of long and short ascending and descending fibers.

Afferent and efferent connections of the hypothalamus. The organization of afferent and efferent connections of the hypothalamus indicates that it serves as an important integrative center for somatic, vegetative and endocrine functions.

The lateral hypothalamus forms bilateral connections with the upper parts of the brainstem, the central gray matter of the midbrain, and with the limbic system. Sensitive signals from the surface of the body and internal organs enter the hypothalamus along the ascending spinobulboreticular pathways that lead to the hypothalamus, either through the thalamus or through the limbic region of the midbrain. The remaining afferent signals enter the hypothalamus through polysynaptic pathways, which are not yet fully identified.

The efferent connections of the hypothalamus with the autonomic and somatic nuclei of the brain stem and spinal cord are formed by polysnappy pathways that run as part of the reticular formation.

The medial hypothalamus has bilateral connections with the lateral one, and, in addition, it directly receives signals from some other parts of the brain. In the medial region of the hypothalamus, there are special neurons that perceive the most important parameters of blood and cerebrospinal fluid: that is, these neurons monitor the state of the internal environment of the body. They can sense, for example, blood temperature, plasma water and electrolyte composition, or blood hormone levels.

Through the nervous mechanisms, the medial region of the hypothalamus controls the activity of the neurohypophysis, and through the hormonal mechanisms, the adenohypophysis. Thus, this area serves as an intermediate link between the nervous and endocrine systems.

The hypothalamus and the cardiovascular system.

With electrical stimulation of almost any part of the hypothalamus, reactions from the cardiovascular system can occur. These reactions, mediated primarily by the sympathetic system, as well as by the branches of the vagus nerve leading to the heart, indicate the importance of the hypothalamus for the regulation of hemodynamics by external nerve centers.

Irritation of any part of the hypothalamus may be accompanied by opposite changes in blood flow in different organs (for example, an increase in blood flow in skeletal muscles and a simultaneous decrease in the vessels of the skin). On the other hand, opposite reactions of the vessels of any organ can occur when stimulated different zones hypothalamus. The biological significance of such hemodynamic shifts can be understood only if they are considered in connection with other physiological reactions that accompany irritation of the same subthalomic zones. In other words, the hemodynamic effects of stimulation of the hypothalamus are part of the general behavioral or homeostatic responses for which this center is responsible.

An example is food and protective behavioral responses that occur when electrical stimulation of limited areas of the hypothalamus. During defensive behavior, blood pressure and blood flow in the skeletal muscles increase, and blood flow in the intestinal vessels decreases. Eating behavior increases blood pressure and blood flow in the intestines, and blood flow in the skeletal muscles decreases. Similar changes in hemodynamic parameters are also observed during other reactions that occur in response to irritation of the hypothalamus, for example, during thermoregulatory reactions or sexual behavior.

The lower parts of the brain stem are responsible for the mechanisms of regulation of hemodynamics in general (that is, blood pressure in the systemic circulation, cardiac output and blood distribution), acting on the principle of tracking systems. These departments receive information from arterial baro- and chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors of the atria and ventricles of the heart and send signals to various structures of the cardiovascular system via sympathetic and parasympathetic efferent fibers. Such bulbar self-regulation of hemodynamics, in turn, is controlled by the higher parts of the brain stem, and in particular the hypothalamus. This regulation is carried out due to neural connections between the hypothalamus and preganglionic autonomic neurons. The higher nervous regulation of the cardiovascular system from the side of the hypothalamus is involved in all complex autonomic reactions, for which simple self-regulation is not enough to control, such regulations include: thermoregulation, regulation of food intake, protective behavior, physical activity, and so on.

Adaptive reactions of the cardiovascular system during work. The mechanisms of adaptation of hemodynamics during physical work are of theoretical and practical interest. During exercise, cardiac output increases (mainly as a result of an increase in heart rate) and simultaneously increases blood flow in skeletal muscles. At the same time, blood flow through the skin and abdominal organs is reduced. These adaptive circulatory reactions occur almost simultaneously with the start of work. They are carried out by the central nervous system through the hypothalamus.

In a dog with electrical stimulation of the lateral region of the hypothalamus at the level of the mamillary bodies, exactly the same vegetative reactions occur as when running on a treadmill. In animals under anesthesia, electrical stimulation of the hypothalamus may be accompanied by locomotor acts and increased respiration. By small changes in the position of the irritating electrode, autonomic and somatic reactions independent of each other can be achieved. All these effects are eliminated with bilateral lesions of the corresponding zones; in dogs with such lesions, the adaptive reactions of the cardiovascular system to work disappear, and when running on a treadmill, such animals quickly get tired. These data indicate that groups of neurons responsible for the adaptation of hemodynamics to muscular work are located in the lateral region of the hypothalamus. In turn, these sections of the hypothalamus are controlled by the cerebral cortex. It is not known whether such regulation can be carried out by an isolated hypothalamus, since this requires that special signals from skeletal muscles arrive at the hypothalamus.

The hypothalamus and behavior.

Electrical stimulation of small areas of the hypothalamus is accompanied by the appearance in animals of typical behavioral reactions, which are as diverse as the natural species-specific behaviors of a particular animal. The most important of these reactions are defensive behavior and flight, feeding behavior (consumption of food and water), sexual behavior and thermoregulatory reactions. All these behavioral complexes ensure the survival of the individual and the species, and therefore they can be called homeostatic processes in the broadest sense of the word. Each of these complexes includes somatic, vegetative and hormonal components.

With local electrical stimulation of the caudal ring, an awake cat develops defensive behavior, which manifests itself in such typical somatic reactions as arching the back, hissing, spreading fingers, releasing claws, as well as autonomic reactions - rapid breathing, pupil dilation and piloerection in the back and tail . Arterial pressure and blood flow in the skeletal muscles thus increase, and blood flow in the intestine decreases. Such autonomic reactions are mainly associated with the excitation of adrenergic sympathetic neurons. Defensive behavior involves not only somatic and autonomic reactions, but also hormonal factors.

When the caudal hypothalamus is stimulated, pain stimuli cause only fragments of defensive behavior. This suggests that the neural mechanisms of defensive behavior are located in the posterior part of the hypothalamus.

Eating behavior, also associated with the structures of the hypothalamus, is almost the opposite of defensive behavior in its reactions. Eating behavior occurs with local electrical stimulation of the zone located 2-3 mm dorsal to the zone of defensive behavior. In this case, all the reactions characteristic of an animal in search of food are observed. Approaching the bowl, the animal with artificially induced eating behavior starts eating, even if it is not hungry, and at the same time chews even inedible objects.

In the study of autonomic reactions, it can be found that such behavior is accompanied by increased salivation, increased motility and blood supply to the intestine, and a decrease in muscle blood flow. All these typical changes in vegetative functions during eating behavior serve as a preparatory stage to the meal. During eating behavior, the activity of the parasympathetic nerves of the gastrointestinal tract increases.

Principles of organization of the hypothalamus.

Data from systematic studies of the hypothalamus using local electrical stimulation indicate that there are nerve structures in this center that control a wide variety of behavioral responses. In experiments using other methods - for example, destruction or chemical irritation - this provision was confirmed and expanded.

Example: aphagia (refusal of food) that occurs when the lateral regions of the hypothalamus are damaged, electrical stimulation of which leads to eating behavior. The destruction of the medial areas of the hypothalamus, the irritation of which inhibits eating behavior (saturation centers), is accompanied by hyperphagia (excessive food intake).

Areas of the hypothalamus whose stimulation leads to behavioral responses overlap widely. In this regard, it has not yet been possible to isolate functional or anatomical clusters of neurons responsible for a particular behavior. Thus, the nuclei of the hypothalamus, detected using neurohistological methods, only approximately correspond to areas whose irritation is accompanied by behavioral reactions. Thus, nerve formations that ensure the formation of integral behavior from individual reactions should not be considered as clearly defined anatomical structures (which the existence of such terms as “hunger center” and “saturation center” could suggest).

The neural organization of the hypothalamus, through which this small formation is able to control many vital behavioral responses and neurohumoral regulatory processes, remains a mystery.

It is possible that groups of neurons in the hypothalamus responsible for the performance of any function differ from each other in afferent and efferent connections, mediators, the location of dendrites, and the like. It can be assumed that numerous programs are embedded in the little-studied nerve circuits of the hypothalamus. Activation of these programs under the influence of nerve signals from the overlying parts of the brain (for example, the limbic system) and signals from receptors and the internal environment of the body can lead to various behavioral and neurohumoral regulatory responses.

Functional disorders in people with damage to the hypothalamus

In humans, disorders of the hypothalamus are associated mainly with neoplastic (tumor), traumatic or inflammatory lesions. Such lesions can be very limited, affecting the anterior, intermediate, or posterior hypothalamus. These patients have complex functional disorders. The nature of these disorders is determined, among other things, by the severity (for example, with injuries), or the duration (for example, with slowly growing tumors) of the process. With limited acute lesions, significant functional disorders can occur, while with slowly growing tumors, these disorders begin to appear only with a far advanced process.

The table lists the complex functions of the hypothalamus and the violations of these functions. Disorders of perception, memory, and the sleep/wake cycle are due in part to damage to the ascending and descending tracts that connect the hypothalamus to the limbic system.

	Anterior hypothalamus and preoptic area.	Intermediate section of the hypothalamus.	Posterior hypothalamus.
	Regulation of the sleep/wake cycle, thermoregulation, regulation of endocrine functions.	Signal perception, energy and water balance, regulation of endocrine functions.	Perception of signals, maintenance of consciousness, thermoregulation, integration of endocrine functions.
Lesions: a) Acute	Insomnia, hyperthermia, diabetes insipidus.	Hyperthermia, diabetes insipidus, endocrine disorders.	Drowsiness, emotional and autonomic disorders, poikilothermia.
b) Chronic	Insomnia, complex endocrine disorders (eg, early puberty), endocrine disorders associated with lesions of the median eminence, hypothermia, lack of thirst.	Medial: memory disorders, emotional disorders, hyperphagia, obesity, endocrine disorders. Lateral: emotional disturbances, loss of appetite, emaciation, lack of thirst.	Amnesia, emotional disorders, autonomic disorders, complex endocrine disorders (early puberty).

List of used literature.

Human physiology. Volume 1, edited by acad. P.G. Kostyuk. "Mir", 1985.

Vorobieva G.A., Gubar L.V., Safyannikova S.B., Anatomy and Physiology.

Ermolaev II, Age physiology.

Fomin A.B., Human Physiology, “Enlightenment”, 1995.

Hypothalamus - what is it? The hypothalamus is part of the middle (intermediate) brain, the second part of this section is the thalamus. The functions of the hypothalamus and thalamus are different. The thalamus transmits all impulses from numerous receptors to the cerebral cortex. The hypothalamus carries out feedback It regulates almost all functions of the human body.

This is an important vegetative center, integrating the functions internal systems and their adjustment to common process vital activity.

Fact. Recent scientific works talk about the influence of the hypothalamus on the level and quality of memory, as well as on the emotional health of a person.

Location

The hypothalamus is located in the lower part of the brain, under the thalamus, under the hypothalamic groove. The hypothalamus is connected to the adenohypophysis by portal vessels of the latter. The blood vessels of the hypothalamus are permeable to large protein molecules.

Internal organization

The device of the hypothalamus is very complex, despite the small size of the organ. It is an intermediate part of the brain and forms the walls and base of the lower part of the 3rd ventricle of the brain.

The hypothalamus is a region of the brain structure, it consists of nuclei and several less distinct regions. Individual cells can penetrate into nearby areas of the brain, which makes its boundary parts blurry. The anterior part is limited by the terminal plate, and the dorsolateral region is located next to the medial region of the corpus callosum, the mastoid bodies, the gray tubercle and the funnel are located below.

The central region of the funnel is called the "median eminence", it is slightly raised, and the funnel itself comes from a gray mound.

Nuclei of the hypothalamus

The hypothalamus consists of an internal complex of hypothalamic nuclei, which in turn is divided into 3 areas of groups of nerve cells:

• Front area.
• Back area.
• Middle area.

Each of the nuclei performs its strictly defined function, whether it be hunger or satiety, activity or sluggish behavior, and much more.

Fact. The structure of some nuclei depends on the gender of the person, that is, in other words, in men and women, the structure and functions of the hypothalamus are to some extent different.

What is the hypothalamus responsible for?

The property of a living organism to keep its internal environment in a certain state all the time, even in the event of small external stimuli, guarantees the survival of the organism, this ability is called homeostasis.

The hypothalamus is just involved in regulating the functioning of the autonomic nervous and endocrine systems, which are necessary to maintain homeostasis, in addition to breathing, which occurs automatically, heart rate and blood pressure.

Important! What does the hypothalamus influence? The activity of this regulatory center seriously affects how a person behaves, his ability to survive, and also his ability to produce offspring. Its functions extend to the regulation of body systems in response to irritating factors of the surrounding world.

Together with the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus represents a single functional complex, where the hypothalamus is a regulator, and the pituitary gland performs effector functions, transmitting signals from the nervous system to organs and tissues in a humoral way.

What hormones does it produce?

Hypothalamic hormones are peptides, they are divided into three types:

• Releasing hormones - stimulate the formation of hormones of the anterior pituitary gland.
• Statins in the hypothalamus, if necessary, inhibit the formation of anterior lobe hormones.
• Posterior pituitary hormones - produced by the hypothalamus and deposited by the pituitary gland, then sent to the right places.

Hamartoma

Hamartoma is a benign tumor of the hypothalamus. It is known that this disease is diagnosed at the stage prenatal development, but, unfortunately, it is still insufficiently studied.

There are only a few serious centers for the treatment of this disease around the world, one of them is located in China.

Symptoms of a hamartoma

The many symptoms of a hamartoma include: seizures (resembling fits of laughter), cognitive impairment, and early puberty. Also, with the appearance of this kind of tumor, the activity of the endocrine system is disrupted. Due to not correct operation the patient's hypothalamus excess weight or, conversely, its lack.

Important. Violation of the correct functioning of this part of the brain provokes the occurrence of abnormal human behavior, psychological disorders, emotional instability, and unreasonable aggressiveness appear.

Hamartoma can be diagnosed using medical imaging tools such as tomography and MRI. It is also necessary to take a blood test for hormones.

How is hamartoma treated?

There are several ways to treat this tumor: the first method is based on drug therapy, the second is surgical, and the third is radiation treatment and radiosurgery.

Important! Drug treatment only removes the symptoms of the disease, but not its cause.

Causes of a tumor

Unfortunately, reliable causes of hamartomas have not yet been fully identified, but there is an assumption that the tumor occurs due to disorders at the genetic level, for example, patients with Pallister-Hall syndrome have a predisposition to this disease.

Other diseases

Diseases of the hypothalamus can occur due to various causes, external and internal influences. The most common diseases of this part of the brain are: contusion, stroke, tumor, inflammation.

Due to pathological changes in the hypothalamus, there is a decrease in the production of important hormones, and inflammation and swelling can create pressure on nearby tissues and negatively affect their functions.

For the correct and full functioning of the hypothalamus, it is necessary to follow these recommendations:

• Sports and daily walks fresh air.
• In order for the hypothalamus to enter the usual rhythm of work, follow the daily routine.
• Eliminate alcohol and cigarettes. Avoid watching TV and working at the computer before bed.
• Proper nutrition without overeating.
• Try to eat more vegetables, raisins, dried apricots, honey, eggs, walnuts, oily fish and seaweed.

Try to take care of your health. Despite the fact that a hamartoma is a benign tumor, it is a rather serious and not fully understood disease, therefore, at the first symptoms of malaise, seek medical advice.

Responsible for the mechanisms of wakefulness and sleep, changes in body temperature and metabolic processes in the body. The performance of all organs and tissues of the body depends on it. Emotional reactions of a person are also in the competence of the hypothalamus. In addition, the hypothalamus controls the work of the endocrine glands, participates in the process of digestion, as well as in the prolongation of the genus. The hypothalamus is located in the brain under the visual tubercle - the thalamus. Therefore, the hypothalamus, translated from Latin, means " hypothalamus».

• The hypothalamus is equal in size to the phalanx of the thumb.
• Scientists have found centers of "heaven" and "hell" in the hypothalamus. These parts of the brain are responsible for pleasant and discomfort organism.
• The division of people into "larks" and "owls" is also within the competence of the hypothalamus.
• Scientists call the hypothalamus the "inner sun of the body" and believe that further study of its capabilities can lead to an increase in human life expectancy, to victory over many endocrine diseases, as well as to further exploration of space, thanks to controlled lethargic sleep, in which it will be possible to immerse astronauts traveling a distance of tens and hundreds of light years.

Useful foods for the hypothalamus

• Raisins, dried apricots, honey - contain glucose, necessary for full-fledged work hypothalamus.
• Greens and leafy vegetables. Fine and potassium . They are excellent antioxidants. Protect the hypothalamus from the risk of hemorrhage, stroke.
• Milk and dairy products. They contain B vitamins, which are necessary for the full functioning of the nervous system, as well as calcium and other nutrients.
• Eggs . Reduce the risk of stroke, due to the content of substances useful for the brain.
• Coffee, dark chocolate. In a small amount, they tone up the work of the hypothalamus.
• Bananas, tomatoes, oranges. Raise the mood. Facilitate the work of not only the hypothalamus, but also all brain structures. Useful for the nervous system, the activity of which is closely related to the work of the hypothalamus.
• Walnuts . Stimulate the activity of the hypothalamus. They slow down the aging process of the brain. rich healthy fats, vitamins and microelements.
• Carrot . It slows down the aging process in the body, stimulates the formation of young cells, participates in the conduction of nerve impulses.
• Seaweed. Contains substances necessary to provide the hypothalamus with oxygen. A large number of iodine contained in sea kale helps fight insomnia and irritability, fatigue and overexertion.
• oily fish and vegetable oils. They contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are important components of the nutrition of the hypothalamus. They prevent the deposition of cholesterol, are stimulants for the production of hormones.

For the full functioning of the hypothalamus, you need:

• Therapeutic exercise and daily walks in the fresh air (especially in the evening, before going to bed).
• Regular and nutritious meals. A dairy-vegetarian diet is preferred. Doctors advise avoiding overeating.
• Compliance with the daily routine helps the hypothalamus to enter the rhythm of work familiar to it.
• Exclude from drinking alcoholic beverages and get rid of harmful cravings for smoking, which harm the functioning of the nervous system, with the activity of which the hypothalamus is closely connected.
• Avoid watching TV and working at the computer before bed. Otherwise, due to a violation of the light regime of the day, there may be disturbances in the work of the hypothalamus and the entire nervous system.
• In order to prevent overexcitation of the hypothalamus, it is recommended to wear sunglasses on a bright sunny day.

Folk methods for restoring the functions of the hypothalamus

The causes of disorders of the hypothalamus are:

1. 1 Infectious diseases, intoxication of the body.
2. 2 Violations in the work of the nervous system.
3. 3 Weak immunity.

In the first case anti-inflammatory herbs (chamomile, calendula, St. John's wort) can be used - on the recommendation of a doctor. With intoxication, iodine-containing products are useful - chokeberry, seaweed, feijoa, walnuts.

In the second case, in case of disruption of the work of the National Assembly, tonic agents (chicory, coffee) are used, or vice versa, sedatives - tincture of valerian, motherwort and hawthorn, coniferous baths.

With tachycardia and an unreasonable increase in pressure associated with malfunctioning of the hypothalamus, useful water procedures: a warm shower followed by vigorous rubbing of the skin.

In depressive conditions, a decoction of St. John's wort helps well, of course, if there are no medical contraindications for use!