Healthy vs. Abnormal Hypothalamus Functioning
Thehypothalamusis a small area located in your brain.
It makes hormones that control a variety of body functions, such as your mood and hunger.
The main purpose of the hypothalamus is to maintain the body at a constant or balanced level.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
This article will explain more about the hypothalamus and common disorders associated with this portion of the brain.
Understanding its anatomy can help you learn more about its purpose.
Structure
The hypothalamus is very smallabout the size of an almond.
It has the shape of a pine cone.
It is located above the pituitary gland and below the thalamus.
The hypothalamus is attached to the pituitary gland by a small stalk.
The hormones it makes travel to the anterior pituitary through the blood.
Common tests include:
Diet and Hypothalamus
Your diet can affect the hypothalamus.
For example, a diet high in saturated fats may cause inflammation in the hypothalamus and lead to obesity.
It is responsible for making hormones that affect many body functions.
It is important to find ways to maintain your brain health and prevent problems.
You should protect your brain from injury whenever possible and provide it with proper nutrition.
You should seek medical help if you have persistent headaches and vision problems.
They can be a symptom of a hypothalamus disorder or another serious condition that requires treatment.
You do not want to ignore any neurological symptoms because the problem may get worse.
When the hypothalamus malfunctions, it can affect many functions in your body.
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