hypothalamus
/ˌhaɪpəˈθæləməs/
noun
- A small region at the base of the brain that controls many automatic body functions, such as temperature, hunger, thirst, and hormone release.
- When you are hungry, your hypothalamus sends signals that make you want to eat.
- Damage to the hypothalamus can cause problems with sleep and appetite.
- The hypothalamus helps keep your body temperature stable when you go outside in the cold.