The hypothalamus

Abstract

The hypothalamus is part of the limbic portion of the brain in vertebrates that regulates the internal milieu of the cells within narrow limits as it compensates for changing external conditions such as variations in temperature, energy, or defensive requirements. The constancy of the internal environment resulting from these fine adjustments made by the hypothalamus is referred to as homeostasis. The hypothalamus maintains homeostasis by exerting control over the two regulatory systems of the organism: the nervous system and the endocrine system.