The Hypothalmus and Temperature Regulation of the Body

Source: Nursing 2008 June, Vol. 38 No. 6. “Fever and Hyperthermia” by Robin M Beard and Michael W. Day
Summary: After describing the differences between fever and hyperthermia, this article explained how the body reacts to pyrogens, such as viruses, by releasing endopyrogens, also called cytokines. These cytokines act on the hypothalamus, causing it to release prostaglandins, which causes the body to reset its body temperature. Fever caused by pyrogens is evaluated to find the virus or bacterium that is causing the fever. The fever is a good reaction of the body to help it fight them. In hyperthermia, the body is impaired in its ability to lose heat, either because of medications that many older people take for various reasons, or because of external heat, or both. Dopamine receptors in the hypothalamus are inhibited, resulting in resetting the temperature higher than is healthy. The fever is the cause of damage in this case, not a symptom, so the body temperature must be reduced aggressively.

Application: This article explained the role of the hypothalamus as the temperature regulator of the body. Located deep in the forebrain under the thalamus, the hypothalamus has many functions. It also helps regulate hunger, thirst, and sex drives. It is surrounded by blood, so it is directly senses balance or imbalance in all the factors that can be derived from analysis of the blood. With its connections to the autonomic nervous system, it is perfect for response to many types of diseases and conditions.