Hypothalamic Nuclei

Arcuate Nucelus

Related to energy, hedonic eating (serotonin circuit), sex hormone detection ● Energy sensor → sensor for serotonin circuit for energy control ● Sensitive to levels of sex hormones in males

Periventricular Nucleus

Controls the release of sex hormones

Paraventricular Nucleus

regulates autonomic outflow, neuroendocrine functions, water balance, and food intake by releasing hormones like oxytocin, vasopressin, and CRH

Dorsal p-cells + Ventral p-cells of Paraventricular Nucleus

for autonomic responses (autonomic NS)

Medial p-cells of Paraventricular Nucleus

endocrine system/response, it releases thyroxine to anterior pituitary for temperature signals and hunger/satiety signals

Magnocellular cells of Paraventricular Nucleus

take care of the endocrine system; release ADH to posterior pituitary; controls release of oxytocin to brain and throughout body during sexual behaviors

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

internal clock/circadian rhythm

Lateral Hypothalamic Area (LHA)

Secondary awake center, relates to the somatic motor system

Ventrolateral Preoptic Nucleus (VLPO)

Primary sleep center

Medial Preoptic Nucleus

Sensor for temperature, gives rise to sexual behavior in males

Dorsomedial Nucleus

Shivering nucleus; makes you shiver when you get cold

Supraoptic Nucleus

Activated by your osmoreceptors; will release ADH to conserve water when you get thirsty

Anteroventral Periventricular Nucleus

Monitors the sex hormone circulation in females

Ventral Medial Nucleus

Gives rise to female sexual behaviors

Anterior Nucleus

Temperature sensor, parasympathetic control center