THE HYPOTHALAMUS

The hypothalamus is a small cone-shaped plate of neural tissue, about 4 millimetres long, deeply buried in the brain. In humans it weighs on average about 4 grams, in a brain that weighs on average 1400 grams. The hypothalamus has a structural and functional relationship with the pituitary gland which connects to it via the pituitary stalk, a thin tube of nerve fibres and blood vessels projecting downwards form the base of the hypothalamus.

Hypothalamus Function The hypothalamus is often called the control hub of the brain or the brain of the brain. It is the centre of all autonomic regulation of body processes. Automatic and endocrine homeostatic systems such as cardiovascular, temperature, and abdominal visceral regulation, and metabolism are all organised by the hypothalamus as well as ingestive and metabolic sensory processes like the feeling of thirst and hunger. The other major function of the hypothalamus is to provide a link between the nervous system and the endocrine system. Electric nervous signals are sent from the bodies sensory nerve endings (located in skin, organs etc) to the hypothalamus where they are translated in to the chemical signals of the endocrine system. The neurons in the hypothalamus produce a number of neurotransmitters which relay information and instruction through the pituitary stalk to the

pituitary Gland where Growth Hormone, Thyroid Hormone Releasing Factor and other neuropeptides are released.

General Functions of the Hypothalamus:

Pituitary gland regulation Blood pressure regulation Hunger and salt cravings Reflexes Thirst Body temperature regulation Hydration Heart rate Bladder function Water preservation Hormonal/neurotransmitter regulation Ovarian function Testicular function Mood & behavioral functions Wakefulness Metabolism Sleep cycles Energy levels

Hypothalamic Hormones All of these are released into the blood in the capillaries or the neurons of the pituitary stalk and travel immediately to either the anterior or posterior lobe of the pituitary gland where they exert their effects. The hypothalamic hormones must be released in spurts, even hormone replacement therapy must release hormones gradually in order for them to have an effect.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH): stimulates the release of thyroidstimulating hormone and prolactin by the anterior pituitary gland which works to regulate the endocrine function of the thyroid gland.It also subserves other central nervous system activities because it works as a neurotransmitter within the brain and spinal cord. There is evidence that TRH is involved in the control of body temperature and that it has psychological and behavioral effects. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone: also known as Luteinizing-hormonereleasing hormone (LHRH). Responsible for the release of folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary required for testosterone production and ovulation. FSH regulates the development, growth, pubertal maturation, and reproductive processes of the body. Corticotropin-releasing hormone: involved in the stress response.Stimulation of the pituitary synthesis of ACTH. Its principal effects are increased production and release of corticosteroids and, as its name suggests, cortisol from the adrenal cortex.Excessive secretion of CRH leads to excessive stimulation of the adrenal cortex, resulting in high circulating levels of adrenocortical hormones, the clinical manifestations of which are known as Cushing's syndrome. Growth hormone-releasing hormone: stimulates growth hormone secretion from the anterior pituitary gland. GH is needed for growth, cell reproduction and regeneration in humans. It is stimulated by stresses, including physical exercise, and secretion is blocked by somatostatin in a negative feedback loop. An excess of circulating growth hormone in adults leads to a condition called acromegaly. Somatostatin: regulates the endocrine system affecting neurotransmission and cell growth. Blocks growth hormone secretion as well as insulin and glucagon secretion. Prolactin-inhibiting and releasing hormones: associated with lactation. Dopamin: works in the brain as a neurotransmitter and works in the body to inhibit prolactin release from the anterior pituitary. Vasopressin: also know as antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Released from the posterior pituitary gland. Controls the reabsorption of molecules in the kidneys by affecting the tissue's permeability. It also increases arterial

blood pressure. It plays a key role in homeostasis, and the regulation of water, glucose, and salts in the blood Oxytocin: best known for its roles in female reproduction. Important in various behaviours, including social recognition, pair bonding, anxiety, and maternal behaviours

Hypothalamus and Exercise

Weight loss: Internal sense organs inform the hypothalamus of glucose levels in the blood, along with information concerning the body's current water content. When these levels become too low, the hypothalamus stimulates our appetite so that we desire food and/or drink. When our blood sugar levels fall and it can even have a big impact on how we feel about the foods and fluids that we ingest - from the way they taste to their level of satisfaction. Fiber filled foods require a longer processing time by the body thus taming the appetite for longer periods of time. Sugar filled foods are quickly processed by the body and when unaccompanied by fat, the appetite will swiftly resurface. When a disturbance within the hypothalamus occurs, other disturbances within the body may occur along with the shift in eating patterns. The individual may experience a disturbance in body temperature as well as increased OR decreased needs for sleep. Factors That Impact the Hypothalamus

stress light, including length of day steroids, including corticosteroids blood-borne stimuli such as insulin olfactory stimuli invading microorganisms such as occur during illness

Both aerobic exercise and resistance training can reduce ghrelin levels in turn reducing the feeling of hunger. Fight or Flight To produce the fight-or-flight response, and the initial response to exercise, the hypothalamus activates two systems: the sympathetic nervous system and the adrenal-cortical system. The sympathetic nervous

system uses nerve pathways to initiate reactions in the body, and the adrenal-cortical system uses the bloodstream. When the hypothalamus tells the sympathetic nervous system to kick into gear, the overall effect is that the body speeds up, tenses up and becomes generally very alert. The sympathetic nervous system sends out impulses to glands and smooth muscles and tells the adrenal medulla to release epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) into the bloodstream. These "stress hormones" cause several changes in the body, including an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. At the same time, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) into the pituitary gland, activating the adrenal-cortical system. ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) stimulates the adrenal cortex, where it activates the release of approximately 30 different hormones that get the body prepared to deal with a stress or exercise. heart rate and blood pressure increase pupils dilate to take in as much light as possible veins in skin constrict to send more blood to major muscle groups blood-glucose level increases muscles tense up, energized by adrenaline and glucose smooth muscle relaxes in order to allow more oxygen into the lungs nonessential systems (like digestion and immune system) shut down to allow more energy for emergency functions trouble focusing on small tasks (brain is directed to focus only on big picture in order to determine where threat is coming from)