Which part of the brain regulates body temperature, hunger, and thirst?
A. Medulla oblongata
B. Cerebrum
C. Hypothalamus
D. Cerebellum
Answer (1)
The Correct Answer is C. Hypothalamus The hypothalamus is a small but crucial structure located at the base of the brain, just below the thalamus and above the pituitary gland. Despite its size, it plays a central role in maintaining homeostasis, which is the body’s stable internal environment. This structure belongs to the limbic system and interacts directly with the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system.Key functions of the hypothalamus include:Regulating body temperature: It acts like a thermostat. If your body gets too hot or too cold, the hypothalamus sends signals to help you sweat, shiver, or adjust blood flow to maintain a normal temperature.Controlling hunger and satiety: It monitors nutrient and glucose levels in the blood. When levels drop, it triggers hunger; when they’re sufficient, it signals fullness.Managing thirst and water balance: It detects dehydration and prompts thirst. It also controls the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which helps the kidneys regulate water retention.Controlling emotions and behavior: It helps regulate feelings such as aggression, pleasure, and fear.Linking the nervous and endocrine systems: It signals the pituitary gland to release or stop releasing hormones, affecting growth, metabolism, and stress response.In contrast:The cerebrum controls thinking, memory, and voluntary movement.The cerebellum coordinates balance and posture.The medulla oblongata controls involuntary functions like heart rate and breathing.Disorders of the hypothalamus can lead to problems like obesity, eating disorders, thermoregulation failure, and hormonal imbalances. Understanding the hypothalamus is essential for students studying both anatomy and psychology, since it’s involved in many survival mechanisms and emotional responses.
