Hypothalamus and Thalamus Flashcards

Flashcards to review the key concepts of the hypothalamus and thalamus based on the lecture notes.

Where is the hypothalamus located?

Base of the brain, below & anterior to the thalamus.

Name three anterior nuclei of the hypothalamus.

Supraoptic, preoptic & paraventricular nuclei.

What are the posterior nuclei of the hypothalamus?

Mammillary body & posterior nuclei.

Name two medial nuclei of the hypothalamus.

Ventromedial & dorsomedial nuclei.

What is the primary function of the anterior hypothalamic nuclei?

Parasympathetic effect.

What is the role of the hypothalamus in adrenal medulla function?

Stimulates sympathetic innervation of the adrenal medulla to secrete catecholamines.

What does the hypothalamus contain that regulates body temperature?

Heat loss and heat gain center.

Where is the feeding center located in the hypothalamus?

Lateral nuclei.

What does damage to the feeding center cause?

Anorexia.

What happens when the satiety center is stimulated?

Decreased appetite to food intake.

What is the Supraoptic nucleus responsible for?

The center of biological clock which receive information about light & darkness from the retina.

What does the anterior hypothalamic area contain?

Sleep center in the which secrete GABA chemical transmitter to inhibit cortical areas.

What is the function of Non-specific thalamic nuclei?

Relay impulses from reticular activating system (RAS) to cerebral cortex.

Which thalamic nucleus projects visual impulses to the visual center in the occipital lobe?

Lateral geniculate body (LGB).

What is the function of the medial geniculate body (MGB)?

Project auditory impulses to the hearing centers in the temporal lobe.

What are Dorsal nuclei associated with?

Concerned with higher functions of the cerebral cortex as learning, speech & language.

What is the sensory function of the thalamus?

Mediate all types of sensations to the cerebral cortex except olfaction.