The preoptic area is the front-most part of the hypothalamus, just above the optic chiasm and near the lamina terminalis. It contains nuclei that control body temperature, sleep and reproduction.
| Location | Anterior hypothalamus, around the front of the third ventricle above the optic chiasm |
|---|---|
| Parts |
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| Connections |
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| Blood Supply | Anterior cerebral and anterior communicating artery perforators |
Sets body temperature, promotes sleep, regulates fluid balance and controls GnRH release for reproduction.
It acts as the body thermostat; fever reflects a raised set point here. Damage can cause insomnia or abnormal temperature control, and it is involved in heat illness during exercise in hot conditions.
Poor temperature control after damage to the preoptic area.
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