The hypothalamus contains autonomic centers that control endocrine cells in the adrenal medulla via neuronal control. It synthesizes and secretes regulatory hormones that control the endocrine cells in the anterior pituitary gland. The hypothalamus acts as an endocrine organ, synthesizing hormones and transporting them along axons to the posterior pituitary gland. It receives input from the body and other brain areas and initiates endocrine responses to environmental changes. The hypothalamus is an endocrine organ located in the diencephalon of the brain.
The hypothalamus in vertebrates integrates the endocrine and nervous systems.
