hipotalamusanterior

Hipotalamusanterior, also known as the anterior hypothalamus, is a region of the brain located in the rostral part of the hypothalamus near the preoptic area. It comprises several nuclei and interconnecting pathways that contribute to autonomic and neuroendocrine regulation. Anatomically, it lies anterior to the tuberal region and is bordered by the lamina terminalis, the optic chiasm, and adjacent hypothalamic structures. The area includes nuclei such as the preoptic nucleus and the anterior hypothalamic nucleus, among others that participate in temperature, fluid balance, and reproductive control.

Functions attributed to the anterior hypothalamic region center on thermoregulation, reproductive behavior, and integration of autonomic responses. It plays a key role in heat dissipation through activation of cooling mechanisms such as vasodilation and sweating, mediated by its warm- and cold-sensing neuronal populations in the surrounding preoptic area. It participates in fever regulation by responding to pyrogenic signals that alter the set point and coordinate downstream autonomic and endocrine responses. The region also influences reproductive function by modulating GnRH release and downstream pituitary activity, and it participates in sleep-wake regulation through networks interacting with the circadian system.

Clinical relevance arises mainly from disturbances of thermoregulation and neuroendocrine control. Damage to the anterior hypothalamus can impair temperature regulation and fever responses and may disrupt aspects of reproductive and fluid balance control, often reflecting broader hypothalamic involvement rather than isolated damage.

See also: Preoptic area, Hypothalamus, Thermoregulation, Fever, Neuroendocrine regulation.