What is a preoptical area?

Many automatic functions are solved by a part of the brain called hypothalamus. In this area, a group of oval -shaped cells is called the preoptic area. Above all, this area is responsible for thermoregulation, which is a process that the body maintains a constant temperature by obtaining or losing heat. Some components of this area serve other features such as creating thirst, inducing sleep and regulating men's sexual behavior.

Maintaining a constant of body temperature is an important process of unconsciousness for warm -blooded animals. Special sensory cells known as thermoreceptors placed in the skin and certain membranes detect temperature changes and transmit this information to the preoptic area. Upon receipt of this information, this area sends the message to the relevant parts of the hypothalamus responsible for the temperature reaction. These regions, in turn, create automatic reactions to heat or colds, depending on the output of the preoptic area.

This area of ​​this area Hyhypothalamus actually contains several smaller JÁdra or Groups of neurons, each of which has its own unique functions. It is located in the center of this area, the middle pre -core helps to regulate thirst. Sensory cells that detect water deficiency due to the loss of their own volume send signals to the middle preoptic core. The core then releases chemical norepinephrine into higher processing centers that create a conscious feeling of thirst. Norepinephrine production stops after the individual rests and stops the feeling of thirst.

Another important core in the preoptic area is the lateral preoptic core, located towards the edge of this area. Cells connected to thermoregulation are found here, but this core serves another important function. It helps signal non -sinking eyes (REM) sleep by releasing molecules such as halanin, which inhibits the activities of the neurons.

between lateral and medium preoptic nuclei lies a medialPreoptic core. This area is sometimes called a sexually dimorphic nucleus because it shows the difference between sexes. Males have a larger media preoptic core and has a more spherical shape. In addition, women tend to experience greater cellular death in this area due to lack of activity.

molecules such as dopamine, stimulate cells in this part of the preoptical area, and when they stimulate, these neurons regulate male sexual behavior. Animal studies have shown that stimulation results in the behavior of copulation and release of compounds, such as gonadotropin -relaxing hormone. Higher stimulation of dopamine is observed in response to testosterone levels, as well as sensory stimulation, such as the presence of a woman.