hypothalamu

Hypothalamu is commonly a misspelling or variant spelling of hypothalamus, the brain region at the base of the forebrain. The hypothalamus forms a critical interface between the nervous system and the endocrine system and is part of the diencephalon, located below the thalamus and above the pituitary stalk.

Anatomy and subdivisions

The hypothalamus lies in the inferior part of the diencephalon, surrounding the third ventricle. It contains several nuclei and areas, including the paraventricular, supraoptic, arcuate, ventromedial, and lateral hypothalamic regions, as well as the mammillary bodies. These regions integrate neural signals with endocrine and autonomic responses.

Functions

The hypothalamus regulates autonomic functions such as heart rate, respiration, thermoregulation, and fluid balance. It controls hunger, thirst, circadian rhythms, sleep–wake cycles, and emotional behavior. Through its connections with the limbic system, it also participates in stress response and reproductive behaviors.

Endocrine control

A primary role is to control the pituitary gland via releasing and inhibiting hormones, shaping the hypothalamic–pituitary axis. It produces oxytocin and vasopressin, which are released from the posterior pituitary. Its hormonal outputs influence metabolism, growth, reproduction, and stress responses.

Clinical significance

Damage or tumors affecting the hypothalamus can disrupt temperature regulation, appetite, sleep, endocrine function, and behavior. Disorders may include diabetes insipidus, obesity, sleep disturbances, or growth abnormalities, depending on the affected nuclei and connections.

Etymology and terminology

The term derives from Greek hypo- meaning under and thalamus. In standard anatomical usage, hypothalamus is preferred; hypothalamalamu or hypothothalam may appear as misspellings or transliteration variants. Related terms include hypothalamic and hypothalamic–pituitary axis.