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9th February 2024
Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus acts as a link between the brain, autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system. Some of its functions include:
- Regulating temperature
- Regulating body water
- Regulating sleep-wake cycle
- Regulating sexual function
- Moderating behaviour
- Controlling pituitary function
The hypothalamic regulatory hormones which control pituitary function can be classified into:
Releasing hormones
| Hypothalamic hormone | Pituitary hormone |
|---|---|
| Corticotropin-releasing hormone
(CRH) |
Adrenocorticotropic hormone
(ACTH) |
| Gonadotropin-releasing hormone
(GnRH) |
Luteinising hormone and Follicle-stimulating hormone
(LH and FSH) |
| Thyrotropin-releasing hormone
(TRH) |
Thyroid-stimulating hormone
(TSH) |
| Growth hormone-releasing hormone
(GHRH) |
Growth hormone
(GH) |
| Prolactin-releasing hormone
(PRH) |
Prolactin (PRL) |
Inhibitory hormones
| Hypothalamic hormone | Pituitary hormone |
|---|---|
| Dopamine | Prolactin |
| Somatostatin | TSH, FSH, GH |
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