The Hypothalamus Controls The Endocrine System

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1) The autonomic nervous system – the hypothalamus projects neural signals, via axons, to the medulla (brain stem) and spinal cord where the cells that drive the autonomic nervous system are located. This includes both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Thereby controlling things like blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, digestion, sweating, etc.
2) The endocrine system - the hypothalamus controls the endocrine system by controlling the “the master gland” – the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus masters “the master gland” by:
a) Projecting neural signals, via axons, to the posterior pituitary gland where oxytocin and vasopressin (neuropeptides) is secreted.
b) Projecting neural signals, via axons, to the base of the pituitary

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