The Heart of the Brain: The Hypothalamus and Its Hormones

by Gareth Leng

How hormonal signals in one small structure of the brain—the hypothalamus—govern our physiology and behavior. As human beings, we prefer to think of ourselves as reasonable. But how much of what we do is really governed by reason? In this book, Gareth Leng considers the extent to which one small structure of the neuroendocrine brain—the hypothalamus—influences what we do, how we love, and who we are. The hypothalamus contains a large variety of neurons. These communicate not only through neurotransmitters, but also through peptide signals that act as hormones within the brain. While neurotransmitter signals tend to be ephemeral and confined by anatomical connectivity, the hormone signals that hypothalamic neurons generate are potent, wide-reaching, and long-lasting. Leng explores the evolutionary origins of these remarkable neurons, and where the receptors for their hormone signals are found in the brain. By asking how the hypothalamic neurons and their receptors are regulated, he explores how the hypothalamus links our passions with our reason. The Heart of the Brain shows in an accessible way how this very small structure is very much at the heart of what makes us human.

Genres: Neuroscience, Nonfiction, Psychology, Science

280 pages, Hardcover

Published July 31, 2018

Reviews

[estrabismo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love, love this book. It's written kinda as a very informal review. The narrative voice makes it's an incredibly fun read. I will say that a neuroscience science background or interest would probably help making maximize joy of reading it because you don't have to tackle the basics before diving right in. In that case, start at a later chapter and flip back to the first chapters as to reference so as to not get too overwhelmed or slowed down before getting to the the fun applied parts about behavior. I learned much, and it inspired me to think more creatively and curiously and see my daily life in different ways.

[Talin Gogna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book a lot, but sections where he starts talking about differentials and other NTs in ancestors of humans were like he was speaking another language. Overall solid book; the sections on obesity, the brain regions involved and NTs that regulate satiety were fascinating. Leng demonstrates great sympathy towards people who are obese contrasting how obese people are portrayed in contemporary media.