Definition

1. Noun:
   • A basal part of the diencephalon governing the autonomic nervous system: The hypothalamus is a small but crucial region at the base of the brain. It acts as the main link between the endocrine system and the nervous system, controlling many autonomic bodily functions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The hypothalamus regulates body temperature and hunger.
  • Damage to the hypothalamus can disrupt sleep patterns.
  • Hormones released by the hypothalamus influence the pituitary gland.

Advanced Usage

• "Hypothalamic function": Refers to the activities and regulatory roles performed by the hypothalamus.

  • The study focused on hypothalamic function in stress response.

• "Hypothalamic-pituitary axis": Describes the critical functional connection between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.

  • The hypothalamic-pituitary axis controls the release of several key hormones.

Variants and Related Words

• Hypothalamic (adj): Pertaining to the hypothalamus.
  • Scientists observed a hypothalamic disorder in the patient.

Synonyms

• Brain region (general)
• Diencephalic structure (specific, technical)

Related Phrases (Not Phrasal Verbs)

• Govern autonomic functions: A phrase describing the hypothalamus's primary role.
  • The primary duty of the hypothalamus is to govern autonomic functions.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. a basal part of the diencephalon governing autonomic nervous system