Hypothalamus

A small structure located at the base of the brain, where signals from the brain and the body’s hormonal system interact.

Part of the endocrine system, the hypothalamus is crucial in the maintenance of homeostasis, as well as reproductive functions, fight-or-flight reactions, feeding, and sleep.

Homeostasis is the maintenance of equilibrium by keeping things like body temperature, blood pressure, and caloric intake/expenditure at a fairly constant level.

Find out about your hypothalamus

The functions of the hypothalamus are crucial for keeping your body going day-to-day as well as helping us to react to danger when we need to.