tørstsentret

Tørstsentret, literally “the thirst center” in Norwegian, is a term used to describe the brain network that regulates thirst and fluid intake. It is not a single distinct anatomical structure; rather, it refers to the hypothalamic and forebrain circuits involved in detecting body fluid status and initiating drinking behavior.

Physiologically, osmoreceptors in the organum vasculosum lamina terminalis (OVLT) and the subfornical organ (SFO) sense plasma osmolality and other signals such as angiotensin II. These signals converge on the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) of the hypothalamus, where integration occurs and thirst is triggered. In parallel, the posterior pituitary releases vasopressin to promote water reabsorption in the kidneys, reducing water loss. Drinking behavior elevates fluid intake and, as hydration improves, osmolality decreases, diminishing thirst.

The term is commonly used in Norwegian-language education and media as a descriptive concept describing the regulatory system for thirst. In strict physiological terminology, researchers refer to the thirst regulatory network or osmoregulatory system rather than a formal anatomical “center.”

Clinical relevance includes the management of fluid balance. Dehydration or hypernatremia can intensify thirst, while conditions such as diabetes insipidus disrupt vasopressin signaling and can alter thirst sensation. Understanding this system helps explain why thirst occurs and how the body maintains hydration.

See also: thirst, osmoregulation, hypothalamus, vasopressin, angiotensin II, dehydration.