| Hypothalamic Nucleus | Primary Hormone / Function | Key Roles & Notes |
| Supraoptic Nucleus | Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH / Vasopressin) | Regulates water balance by increasing water reabsorption in renal collecting ducts. (Also produces minor amounts of oxytocin). |
| Paraventricular Nucleus | Oxytocin | Triggers uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection ("let-down") during lactation. Also releases CRH and TRH. |
| Arcuate (Infundibular) Nucleus | GHRH, Dopamine (PIH) | Releases Dopamine, which inhibits prolactin secretion, and GHRH, which stimulates GH release. |
| Preoptic Nucleus | GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone) | Regulates release of LH and FSH from the anterior pituitary; controls body temperature (thermoregulation). |
| Ventromedial Nucleus | Satiety Center | Signals fullness. Lesions cause hyperphagia and severe obesity. |
| Lateral Hypothalamic Area | Hunger Center | Triggers appetite/hunger (mediated by ghrelin). Lesions cause severe anorexia. |
| Anterior Nucleus | Thermal Regulation (Cooling) | Senses heat and initiates sweating/vasodilation. Controlled by parasympathetic system. |
| Posterior Nucleus | Thermal Regulation (Heating) | Senses cold and initiates shivering/vasoconstriction. Controlled by sympathetic system. |
| Suprachiasmatic Nucleus | Circadian Rhythm | Master biological clock regulating sleep-wake cycles based on light input from the retina. |
