Introduction Function along with the pituitary it forms the connection between the endocrine and nervous system maintains homeostasis controlling a number of functions such as hunger, sleep-wake cycle, thirst, and sexual desire (Homeostatic mechanisms) Endocrine system via the pituitary the Autonomic system the Limbic system mnemonic ("HEAL") Anatomy the hypothalamus is part of the diencephalon and is found beneath the thalamus thus is called "hypo"thalamus it is found posteriorly and dorsally to the optic chiasm Circuitry input OVLT (organum vasculosum lamina terminalis) senses osmolarity changes resulting in vasopressin release area postrema a vomit-inducing center and contains chemoreceptors to detect toxins for example, it responds to emetic drugs major hypothalamic nuclei Major Hypothalamic Nuclei Nuclei Function Comment Lateral area Involved in promoting appetite A lesion in the lateral hypothalamus results in weight loss Ventromedial nucleus Involved in inhibiting appetite A lesion in the medial hypothalamus results in weight gain Anterior hypothalamus Involved indetecting increasing body temperature and thus activating heat dissipating mechanisms via parasympthetics A lesion in the anterior hypothalamus results in hyperthermia Posterior hypothalamus Involved in heat conservation via sympathetics A lesion in the posterior hypothalamus results in poikilothermia Suprachiasmatic nuclei Involved in regulating circadian rhythms - Supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei Involved in synthesizing vasopressin and oxytocin -