Introducing the brain: importance of the hypothalamus (Introduction)

by David Turell , Friday, October 27, 2023, 17:43 (183 days ago) @ David Turell

A review of all its functions:

https://www.sciencemagazinedigital.org/sciencemagazine/library/item/27_october_2023/414...

"...a small area buried deep inside the brain, called the hypothalamus, is responsible for coordinating neuronal signals related to these activities. By controlling the homeostasis of the neuroendocrine, limbic, and autonomic nervous systems, the hypothalamus is a key brain region for many physiological and pathological processes. Despite its small size, the hypothalamus has a complex cellular organization and circuitry that determine its structural and functional organization. It is composed of 11 nuclei grouped by their location and has vast, mostly bidirectional connections with many neuronal and endocrine systems.

"...we highlight the main role that the hypothalamus plays in integrating the many body functions required for the maintenance of homeostasis. If that wasn’t enough, it also modulates social interactions, including aff ective, sexual, and aggressive behaviors. Yet another still not completely understood function of the hypothalamus is the way it controls sleep. Finally, to avoid missing the forest for the trees, we have to take a broader view of the neural circuits that mediate motivated behaviors and their interactions with the dopaminergic system to reinforce ongoing or planned actions to fulfill motivational demands.

"The hypothalamus may be small, but it has a colossal impact on a wide range of behaviors. Once again, the power of David over Goliath resides in organization and action, not size."

Comment: the hypothalamus acts in so many ways as a coordinating center. To create this coordinating system, it must have been designed.