DictionaryRoot: thalamus

Latin

thalamus

thalamus, a brain structure

1 / 1

A clean sagittal brain illustration based on the approved anatomical reference highlights the small hypothalamic region below the thalamus and above the pituitary stalk; a restrained inset of food, thermometer and gland symbols suggests regulation, no diagnostic claims or treatment.

noun

hypothalamus

high-puh-THAL-uh-muhs/ˌhaɪpəˈθæləməs/

A region of the brain that regulates basic bodily functions and hormone release.

Etymology

hypoGreekunder, below; deficient

+thalamusLatinthalamus, a brain structure

“Under the thalamus” names this region by its position below and in front of the thalamus, rather than by its regulatory functions.

Related word entries

hypothalamus