Hypothalamus facts for kids

The hypothalamus is a very important part of your brain. It acts like a control center, connecting your nervous system (which sends messages around your body) with your endocrine system (which uses hormones). It's located deep inside your brain, right at the base.

Position of hypothalamus

What is the Hypothalamus?

The word hypothalamus comes from Greek words. It means "under the thalamus." This is because the hypothalamus sits just below another brain part called the thalamus. It is also located above the brain stem.

What Does the Hypothalamus Do?

The hypothalamus is like your body's internal thermostat and clock. It helps control many important things you do every day. These include your body temperature, how hungry you feel, and when you get thirsty. It also manages your circadian cycles, which are your body's natural sleep-wake patterns.

This amazing brain part also controls the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is often called the 'master gland' of the body. This is because it releases many hormones that control other glands.

Working with Hormones

The hypothalamus, the thalamus, and the pituitary gland work closely together. This area at the base of your brain is a special place for making and releasing hormones. Some cells in the hypothalamus create important hormones. These include oxytocin and vasopressin.

These hormones are then sent into your blood from the posterior pituitary gland. This is a key way your nervous system helps control all the different hormones in your body. Hormones are like chemical messengers that tell your body what to do.

Images for kids

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  Median sagittal section of brain of human embryo of three months

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  Human brain left dissected midsagittal view

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  Location of the hypothalamus

See also

In Spanish: Hipotálamo para niños