Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is a small portion of the diencephalon (part of the brain situated between and below the cerebral hemispheres and above the medulla oblongata and the cerebellum). It is connected with the pituitary gland that hangs below it in the sella turcica (cavity in the base of the skull) by means of a narrow stalk called the infundibulum. The hypothalamus has many vital functions. It activates and controls the autonomic nervous system. It regulates body temperature, body fluid balance, sleep, perspiration, sexual activity and the development of secondary sex characteristics and emotional control. It has also been shown to be involved in the regulation of food intake