Which area of the hypothalamus is specifically responsible for the regulation of body temperature and is damaged in hyperthermia due to heat stroke?

• A Posterior hypothalamus
• B Lateral hypothalamus
• C Ventromedial hypothalamus
• D Anterior hypothalamus (preoptic area) ✓

Explanation

The anterior hypothalamus (preoptic area) is the primary thermostat and regulates heat dissipation mechanisms (sweating, vasodilation). Lesions or dysfunction of the anterior hypothalamus cause hyperthermia (inability to lose heat). The posterior hypothalamus is responsible for heat conservation (shivering, vasoconstriction). The lateral hypothalamus is the feeding/hunger centre; ventromedial is the satiety centre. In heat stroke, anterior hypothalamic dysfunction leads to loss of thermoregulatory sweating.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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