Hypothalamus

Definition

The hypothalamus is a small region of the brain that plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating various autonomic processes, including body temperature and fever response.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The hypothalamus regulates body temperature through a process called thermoregulation, which is critical during inflammation and fever.
2. During an infection, pyrogens released by immune cells signal the hypothalamus to increase body temperature, leading to fever.
3. The hypothalamus releases hormones that can influence the intensity and duration of inflammatory responses.
4. Prostaglandins are chemical messengers that act on the hypothalamus to raise the body's set-point temperature during a fever.
5. Damage or dysfunction in the hypothalamus can impair the body's ability to regulate temperature effectively, complicating responses to infections.

Review Questions

• How does the hypothalamus contribute to thermoregulation during a fever?
• What chemical messengers influence the hypothalamus to increase body temperature?
• Why is the hypothalamus important for maintaining homeostasis during inflammation?

Related terms

Pyrogen: Substances that cause fever by stimulating the hypothalamus to raise body temperature.

Prostaglandin: A group of lipids involved in signaling processes such as inflammation and fever regulation.

Thermoregulation: The process by which an organism maintains its core internal temperature.