Special Histology and Embryology: Practical Course - V. K. Napkhanyuk 2001

Endocrine System
Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is the supreme control center for the Endocrine System. It regulates and integrates all visceral body Functions, bridging endocrine and neural regulatory mechanisms while acting as the cerebral center for both the sympathetic and parasympathetic Divisions of the Autonomic Nervous system.

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Fig. 13. Classification of the endocrine system Organs

The hypothalamus contains approximately 30 pairs of nuclei (clusters of Nerve Cells) and is conventionally divided into anterior, middle, and posterior regions. Endocrine functions are carried out by the anterior and middle hypothalamus. Neurocytes of the posterior hypothalamus (and to a lesser extent, the middle and anterior regions) project their fibers along sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve trunks to respective target organs, thereby regulating their activity.

The anterior hypothalamus comprises two pairs of nuclei: the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei.

Cells of the supraoptic nuclei (and to a lesser degree, the paraventricular nuclei) produce vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone.

Cells of the paraventricular nuclei synthesize the hormone oxytocin.

The middle hypothalamus contains the arcuate, dorsomedial, ventromedial, and suprachiasmatic nuclei, as well as the preoptic area.

Neurocytes within the nuclei of the middle hypothalamus produce two groups of biologically active compounds: a) liberins (which stimulate glandular activity); b) statins (which inhibit glandular function).

Hypothalamic nuclei consist of small or large multipolar neurocytes featuring well-developed Golgi complexes and granular Endoplasmic reticulum. Their Cytoplasm contains specific granules packed with BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES ready for secretion.



Last update: 10/08/2026

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