Limbic system parts hypothalamus, epithalamus, and thalamus, and hippocampus are present in forebrain of central nervous system. The major function of this limbic system are emotional reactions, motivational drives, and memory. In this article, I’m going to explain limbic system parts hypothalamus, epithalamus, thalamus, and hippocampus in details.
In the last article, I have discussed in detail the Anatomical structure and function of neurons or nerve cells. Before to proceed, please go through that article.
Forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain are the major segment or parts of brain. Spinal cord and brain forms the central nervous system. Limbic system is a complex neuronal circuit of various parts of forebrain. So, systematic understanding of limbic system parts hypothalamus, epithalamus, thalamus, and hippocampus is utmost necessary to learn nervous system and functioning of brain.
Role and functions of Hypothalamus in nervous system
Hypothalamus is located at the center of the brain and above the pituitary gland in the forebrain of central nervous system. In relation with thalamus, it is placed under the thalamus region.
Functionally, It forms a link between the nervous and endocrine gland system. In other words, hypothalamus forms link with endocrine gland system by the means of pituitary master gland.
Comparatively, pituitary gland is known as master gland as it controls and commands the other endocrine glands. By connecting with hypothalamus, it becomes the command system of brain. In reality, hypothalamus command and control the master gland.
In the nervous system, hypothalamus is responsible for variety of functions I’m going to describe hereon. Apart from body balance of internal state, It controls body temperature, blood pressure, and level of hormones in blood.
Besides, it regulates heart rates, body water, and electrolyte balance. Hypothalamus has centers for hunger, thirst, sleep, fatigue, satiety center. In addition, secretion of glands of stomach and intestines is controlled and regulated by hypothalamus.
Hormones secreted by hypothalamus
As I mentioned in the earlier that hypothalamus forms command system with pituitary,the master gland. By forming association, it releases some essential hormones with pituitary gland. Let’s know the major hormones from joint association.
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH, Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), Gonadotropin-releasing hormone, oxytocin, Prolactin-controlling hormones, and Thyrotropin-releasing hormone are hormones affect various body functions.
In details, Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) plays the role in regulating blood pressure and water level in body. Second, Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) ensures metabolism and immune response.
Third, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone does the job regarding sexual organs. And, child birth, releasing breast milk related processes depends on “Oxytocin”.
Finally, Prolactin-controlling hormones like dopamine and estrogen instructs master gland to begin or stop breast milk in mothers having child. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone is known to regulate thyroid. What does thyroid gland do? Control metabolism and growth and development of body.
Definition and functions of Epithalamus and thalamus
Both epithalamus and thalamus are the part of the forebrain. Epithalamus is a thin non nervous roof of the Diencephalon. Diencephalon is a division of brain that includes epithalamus, thalamus, subthalamus and hypothalamus.
In the brain, epithalamus acts as connecting rode between limbic system and other parts of the brain. Being the part of epithalamus, pineal gland secrets melatonin that plays pivotal role in sleeping.
Thalamus is a vital part of forebrain that is located above the brainstem. Being located at the center of the forebrain, it is almost connected with all parts of the brain. In simple words, thalamus processes information received by body’s sensory organs except smell. And, then it sends to the brain for further interpretation.
Hippocampus — location, functions, and importance
Being the part of limbic system, hippocampus is located in the deep temporal lobe of the brain. It is too delicate or vulnerable. It is damageable by stimuli. The major role of the hippocampus is to form long term memory and learning processes.
Last words on hypothalamus, epithalamus thalamus and hippocampus,
All the above limbic system parts hypothalamus, epithalamus, thalamus and hippocampus forms complex neuronal circuit. And as I mentioned earlier that it is responsible for emotional reactions, motivational, sexual drive and memory. This is a very important segment of forebrain. In the next article, I’m going to explain parts and functions of hindbrain.