Where it is
Below the thalamus, forming the floor of the third ventricle, directly above the pituitary gland.
What it does
Regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep and circadian rhythms; produces ADH and oxytocin; and controls the pituitary through releasing hormones.
Clinical relevance
- Damage can disturb temperature control and water balance.
- Fever is the hypothalamus resetting its temperature set point in response to pyrogens.
Nursing focus
- After head injury or pituitary surgery, watch urine output and sodium for diabetes insipidus or SIADH.