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Hypothalamus

Definition:

The hypothalamus is an area of the brain that produces hormones that control:

Body temperature
Hunger
Moods
Release of hormones from many glands, especially the pituitary gland
Sex drive
Sleep
Thirst

Information:

References:

Hadley ME, Levine JE. Endocrinology. 6th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall; 2007:111-133.

Coll AP, Farooqi IS, O'Rahilly S. The hormonal control of food intake. Cell. 2007;129(2):251-262.

Review Date: 3/18/2008
Reviewed By: Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed byDavid Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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