The posterior nucleus of the hypothalamus is one of the many nuclei that make up the hypothalamic region of the brain. Its function is thermoregulation (heating) of the body. Damage or destruction of this nucleus causes hypothermia. Descending efferents from the nucleus synapse on the sympathetic neurons of the spinal cord, which exist in the thoracic and lumbar regions in the lateral horns [Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posterior_nucleus_of_hypothalamus].
Synonyms: posterior nucleus of the hypothalamus
Hierarchy: 5
Parent: hypothalamus
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