The human hypothalamus: a morpho-functional perspective.

Historical investigation suggests that the role of the hypothalamus as a site of integration for endocrine with autonomic and behavioral responses in man rises from ideas and observations first appearing between the 14th and 18th centuries. Research on human, post-mortem brains and by in vivo magnetic resonance techniques reveal that the functional morphology of the hypothalamus in man is very similar to that in Rodents and Primates. As such, the adult human hypothalamus can be subdivided in three longitudinal zones, representing the source and target of neural informations traveling back and forth the brain stem, thalamus, limbic system, basal ganglia and neocortex.

The neuroendocrine system: organization and homeostatic role.

The neuroendocrine system (NES) of Vertebrates can be defined as a set of cells organized in single organs and diffuse elements, sharing co-production of amine hormone/transmitters, peptide hormone/transmitters and specific markers of neural determination. In this perspective, the hypothalamic-pituitary-target organ axis (H-P axis), the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the diffuse neuroendocrine or APUD system contribute to the NES. However, in Mammals and man virtually any compartment of the body harbors elements, often with different embryologic origin, having at least some of the NES features.