hypothalamus

• hypothalamus controls;

  • hormones
  • sleep
  • growth
  • body temperature
  • blood pressure
• 1. mammals detect external temperatures via thermoreceptors found in skin and mucous membranes- these communicate with the hypothalamus along sensory neurones
  2. hypothalamus then sends impulses along motor neurones to effectors to bring a physiological response to the changing external temps

  • hypothalamus also measures the temperature of the blood flowing through it to bring about these changes
• negative feedback


  maintains homeostatic balance

  1. receptors detect stimuli involved with physiological factors
  2. co-ordination system transfers the information eg CNS and ENS
  3. effector catries out response eg muscle or gland

  • the body reverse changes to bring them back within normal limits eg an increase in body temperature, body responds by reducing body temperature