The connecting link between the endocrine and nervous system is a brain structure called hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is part of the limbic system and is located in the certain of the brain, close to the brain stem. It is a brain structure comprised of many different nuclei and is responsible for regulating many metabolic functions and processes of the autonomic nervous system.
The hypothalamus controls the pituitary glands and the release of hormones from the endocrine system. It is responsible for the regulation of basic needs such as hunger, sleep, thirst, and stress and emotional responses.
