In the
anatomy of
mammals, the
hypothalamus is a
gland located below the
thalamus region of the
brain, forming the major portion of the
ventral region[?] of the
diencephalon[?] and functioning to regulate certain metabolic processes and other autonomic activities. The hypothalamus links the nervous system to the
endocrine system by producing
releasing hormones.
In particular, the hypothalamus is the area of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, and thirst.
See also limbic system, HPA axis