The nurse explains the end result of the hypothalamus in regulating the central nervous system (CNS), autonomic nervous system (ANS), and endocrine system is what?

Question

A) Regulation of the negative feedback system
B) Creation of a diurnal rhythm
C) Maintenance of homeostasis
D) Production of prolactin-inhibiting factor (PIF)

Answer 1

C
Feedback:
The hypothalamus maintains internal homeostasis by sensing blood chemistries and by stimulating or suppressing endocrine, autonomic, and CNS activity. In essence, it can turn the ANS and its effects on or off. The negative feedback system is one way homeostasis is maintained. When the hypothalamus senses a need for a particular hormone, it secretes a releasing factor directly into an area such as the anterior pituitary. This causes the area to produce a hormone. When the hypothalamus senses a rising level of the hormone it stops secreting the releasing factor, which decreases the hormone production. When this occurs the hypothalamus senses the falling hormone level and the releasing factor is secreted again. This process is how the hormone level is maintained. Diurnal rhythm refers to the release of hormones at various times of the day. PIF, produced by the hypothalamus, acts as a regulator to shut off production of hormones when levels become too high.