Which Part of the Human Brain Is Concerned with the Regulation of Body Temperature?

The hypothalamus a small but vital part of the forebrain is responsible for regulating body temperature. It acts as the body’s thermostat, maintaining internal temperature within a narrow, healthy range (around 37°C).

Located below the thalamus, the hypothalamus contains specialized neurons called thermoreceptors that detect even minor changes in blood temperature. When body temperature rises or falls, the hypothalamus initiates appropriate physiological responses to restore balance — a process known as thermoregulation.

Functions:

• When the body becomes too hot, the hypothalamus triggers sweating and vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) to release heat.
• When the body is too cold, it induces shivering, vasoconstriction, and increased metabolism to generate and conserve heat.

The hypothalamus also interacts with the autonomic nervous system and endocrine glands (like the thyroid) to regulate energy use and temperature.

Hence, the hypothalamus plays a central role in maintaining homeostasis by keeping the body temperature stable despite external changes.