NUCLEUS HYPOTHALAMICUS Meaning and
Definition
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The nucleus hypothalamicus is a term used in neuroanatomy to refer to a collection of cell bodies within the hypothalamus region of the brain. The hypothalamus is a small area located at the base of the brain, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of various physiological processes. It serves as a vital link between the nervous system and the endocrine system, coordinating numerous essential functions such as temperature regulation, sleep, hunger, thirst, and the release of hormones.
The nucleus hypothalamicus is comprised of distinct groups of neurons that are responsible for specific functions. These neurons are involved in the integration and processing of sensory signals from the body and the environment. They receive inputs from various sources, including the autonomic nervous system, other regions of the brain, and feedback from internal organs.
Additionally, the nucleus hypothalamicus consists of several subgroups, each with its own unique characteristics and functions. Some subgroups are involved in regulating appetite and controlling feeding behavior, while others are responsible for maintaining body temperature or controlling the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.
Overall, the nucleus hypothalamicus is a crucial component of the hypothalamus, playing a significant role in maintaining homeostasis, regulating behavioral and physiological responses, and contributing to the control of various bodily functions.
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Hypothalamic n., subthalamic n., Luys' body, an almond-shaped collection of gray matter lying below the thalamus and above the tegmentum of the cerebral peduncles.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NUCLEUS HYPOTHALAMICUS
Etymology of NUCLEUS HYPOTHALAMICUS
The word "nucleus hypothalamicus" is derived from Latin and Greek.
- "Nucleus" comes from Latin and means "core" or "center". It refers to a dense, rounded structure or a collection of nerve cell bodies within the central nervous system.
- "Hypothalamicus" is a Latin term, derived from the Greek word "hypothalamos". "Hypo" means "under" or "below", and "thalamos" refers to the "thalamos", which is the Greek term for "inner chamber" or "inner room". In the context of the brain, the "hypothalamus" is a region located below the thalamus.
Therefore, "nucleus hypothalamicus" refers to a core or central collection of nerve cells located in the hypothalamus, which is a vital area within the brain involved in regulating various physiological processes and behaviors.
