Posterior region of the hypothalamus

Posterior hypothalamic region: anatomy and functions

The hypothalamus is a small but very important part of the brain that plays a key role in regulating many body functions, including appetite, body temperature, sleep, mood and reproduction. The hypothalamus is made up of many different regions, each with its own unique function. One such area is the posterior hypothalamic region.

The posterior hypothalamic area, also known as the regio hypothalamica posterior (PNA), is located in the posterior part of the hypothalamus and includes several nuclei, including the posterior hypothalamic nucleus and the posterior commissural nucleus.

The nucleus of the posterior space is involved in the regulation of thermoregulation, that is, maintaining a constant body temperature. This nucleus receives information from thermoreceptors in the skin, muscles and internal organs, as well as from other areas of the hypothalamus. If body temperature rises, the posterior nucleus is activated, causing blood vessels to dilate and sweat to cool the body. If body temperature decreases, the posterior nucleus decreases its activity, which leads to constriction of blood vessels and less sweat to conserve heat.

The posterior fornix nucleus, on the other hand, plays an important role in regulating sleep. This nucleus receives information from many other areas of the hypothalamus and brain, including the hippocampus, carotid center, and dorsal nucleus of the vagus. When we are ready to fall asleep, the activity of the posterior fornix nucleus increases, which leads to a decrease in activity in other areas of the hypothalamus and brain and, ultimately, to sleep.

In general, the posterior hypothalamic region is an important part of the hypothalamus that is involved in the regulation of thermoregulation and sleep. Although this region occupies a small area of ​​the brain, its functions are essential to maintaining the health and well-being of the body.

**Region Hypothalamus Posterior**.

According to the terminology adopted in domestic medicine, the posterior hypothalasus region is a complex of diencephalon structures located in the posterior part of the hypothalamus. The medulla oblongata enters this region and is considered part of it. This area includes a number of formations, among which are the visual and auditory centers, the centers of smell, the pain center and the formation of an orienting reaction, as well as the centers for regulating the general level of metabolism and digestion, thermoregulation and the regulation of sleep and wakefulness.

Regarding the definition of this area in accordance with the international classification of topographic areas of the head (English "International Bureau for the Study of Head and Neck Tum"