Physiology, Hypothalamus

Excerpt

The hypothalamus is the region in the ventral brain which coordinates the endocrine system. It receives many signals from various regions of the brain and in return, releases both releasing and inhibiting hormones, which then act on the pituitary gland to direct the functions of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs and to influence growth, fluid balance, and milk production. It is also involved in the non-endocrine functions of temperature regulation, regulation of the autonomic nervous system, and the control of appetite.