What does the hypothalamus monitor?

The hypothalamus monitors the blood flowing through it, in particular its temperature and its water potential, and it also receives nerve impulses from other parts of the brain.

Which kinds of receptor does the hypothalamus contain?

It contains thermoreceptors sensitive to the temperature of the blood and osmoreceptors sensitive to its water potential.

Describe the role of the hypothalamus in the control of body temperature.

The hypothalamus acts as a thermostat, comparing the temperature of the blood with a set point and sending impulses to the skin and other effectors to increase or reduce heat loss.

Why is the hypothalamus described as the link between nervous and endocrine regulation?

It takes in nervous information and responds by secreting hormones, so a nervous input is converted directly into an endocrine output.

Which two hormones are made in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary?

They are antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin.

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Neurobiology and Behaviour: The Brain

The hypothalamus and the control of the endocrine system

3 things to know
Component 3

Overview

Role of the hypothalamus in the control of body temperature, neurosecretory cell and three hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

What is a neurosecretory cell?

Key term

Name three hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary.

Key term

Why is only a minute quantity of releasing factor needed?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What does the hypothalamus monitor?
Model answer
The hypothalamus monitors the blood flowing through it, in particular its temperature and its water potential, and it also receives nerve impulses from other parts of the brain.
2
Which kinds of receptor does the hypothalamus contain?
Model answer
It contains thermoreceptors sensitive to the temperature of the blood and osmoreceptors sensitive to its water potential.
3
Describe the role of the hypothalamus in the control of body temperature.
Model answer
The hypothalamus acts as a thermostat, comparing the temperature of the blood with a set point and sending impulses to the skin and other effectors to increase or reduce heat loss.
4
Why is the hypothalamus described as the link between nervous and endocrine regulation?
Model answer
It takes in nervous information and responds by secreting hormones, so a nervous input is converted directly into an endocrine output.
5
What is a neurosecretory cell?
Model answer
A neurosecretory cell is a nerve cell that releases a hormone into the blood rather than releasing a transmitter onto another cell.
6
Which two hormones are made in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary?
Model answer
They are antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin.

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