Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus contains the "set point" for keeping your body core temperature within about 1°C of 98.6°F (37°C). "When your body temperature drops, the hypothalamus activates various effector mechanisms that raise your body temperature, including shivering (which generates heat through muscular activity), constriction of blood supply to the skin (which reduces heat loss), and elevation of metabolic rate (which generates heat). When normal body temperature is restored, the hypothalamus switches off these temperature control mechanisms."(Audesirk & Audesirk, Ch 26) The hypothalamus synthesizes the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) which is then released by the pituitary gland. It is used in controlling the content of water in the blood by the kidney. The hypothalamus controls the secretions from the pituitary gland. The description in Audesirk & Audesirk, Ch 32 is "If the endocrine system is the body's postal service, then the hypothalamus is the main post office and the pituitary gland is the administrative headquarters." The hypothalamus was described as being about the size of an almond, and the pituitary gland attached to it about the size of a pea. Despite their diminutive size, they are critical components of the endocrine system.
|
Index Reference Audesirk & Audesirk Ch 26,32 Thibodeau & Patton Ch 16 | ||||
|
Go Back |