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The Hypothalamus and Its Functions

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Narcolepsy

Abstract

This chapter provides a general overview of the hypothalamus with an emphasis on functional neuroanatomy. This lays a foundation for discussing the hypothalamic pathways that regulate wake–sleep behavior, body temperature, body fluid osmolarity, energy balance, and the cardiovascular system. In this picture, the role of hypothalamic hypocretin neurons in orchestrating behavioral and autonomic responses to environmental challenges will stand out. Knowledge of the integrative physiologic role of hypocretin neurons is a prerequisite for understanding the pathophysiology of patients with narcolepsy-cataplexy, in whom hypocretin neurons are lost.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human and General Physiology, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta S. Donato, 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy

    Giovanna Zoccoli

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  1. Giovanna Zoccoli
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  2. Roberto Amici
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  3. Alessandro Silvani
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Correspondence to Giovanna Zoccoli .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland

    Christian R. Baumann

  2. Neurocenter EOC of Southern Switzerland, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, Via Tesserete 46, Lugano, 6903, Switzerland

    Claudio L. Bassetti

  3. and Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, 02215, Massachusetts, USA

    Thomas E. Scammell

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Zoccoli, G., Amici, R., Silvani, A. (2011). The Hypothalamus and Its Functions. In: Baumann, C., Bassetti, C., Scammell, T. (eds) Narcolepsy. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8390-9_17

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8390-9_17

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