The hypothalamus
Hypothalamus · hypothalamus
A tiny region at the base of the brain that runs your body clock, temperature, hunger and hormones.
What it does
The hypothalamus sits just below the thalamus and above the pituitary gland. It keeps your internal conditions steady, controlling body temperature, hunger, thirst and sleep cycles. Through the pituitary gland, it also controls many of the body's hormones.
Surprising fact
It is about the size of an almond, yet it contains the master clock that sets your daily rhythms in time with daylight.
Why it matters
The hypothalamus raises your temperature set point during an infection to create a fever, which is why you shiver to warm up even though you feel hot.
Nearby
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Sources
Drafted with AI help; awaiting a human fact-check against these sources.
Open in the 3D atlas · Suggest a correction · Not medical advice.
3D models: Z-Anatomy & BodyParts3D (CC BY-SA 4.0 / 2.1 JP). Card text CC BY 4.0.