Posterior hypothalamic area
Area hypothalamica posterior
- Latin synonym: Area posterior hypothalami
- Synonym: Posterior hypothalamic region; Mamillary hypothalamic area
- Related terms: Posterior hypothalamic area; Posterior hypothalamic region
Definition
The posterior hypothalamic area plays a crucial role in regulating sympathetic outflow and acts as an anti-fall center. This region of the hypothalamus is involved in the autonomic nervous system's response to stress and contributes to maintaining arousal and alertness.
Sympathetic fibers originating from the posterior hypothalamus extend downward through the spinal cord, reaching the segments from T1 to L2-3, which are part of the thoracolumbar region. This neural pathway is known as the hypothalamospinal pathway. It is essential for the transmission of sympathetic signals, influencing various physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, and the fight-or-flight response, thereby facilitating the body's ability to react to perceived threats or challenges.
References
Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology (13 edition)
