Question

Which of the following acts as a thermostat in humans?
A. Pons
B. Medulla
C. Hypothalamus
D. Cerebellum

Answer 1

It is very important to maintain the homeostasis, in which “homeo” means “the same” and “stasis” means “holding”. So, homeostasis means holding something at the same place. Thus, many mammals have a specific gland present at the center of the brain for this regulation of temperature.

Complete answer:
The capability of an organism to regulate its body temperature to an optimum level for example 37 degree in humans is called a thermostat or temperature regulation. Our body temperature must be controlled because our body needs some optimum temperature to function properly. Enzymes in body cells need this specific temperature to catalyze metabolic reactions in our body.
Deviation from optimum temperature may result in:
High body temperature may lead to dehydration, heat stroke and death if not treated.
Low temperature causes hypothermia and death if not treated.
Animals are divided in three categories on basis of temperature regulation methods:

Homeotherms: Animals which can maintain a constant body temperature over a wide range of environmental conditions. For example: Birds, most mammals.
Poikilotherms: Animals which cannot maintain a constant body temperature and their body temperature changes with environment temperature change. For example: Fish, amphibians, and reptiles are poikilothermic.
Heterothermy: Animals which keep a constant body temperature, but have specific periods when their body temperature changes, such as during hibernation. For example: Ground squirrels and bears are heterotherms.

Thus, we can say that small glands present in the brains of mammals help in the temperature regulation, which is known as hypothalamus gland. And option ‘C’ is the correct answer.

Note: Hypothalamus gland helps in the regulation of hormones which are secreted by other glands, Hypothalamus act as a gatekeeper for the release of the hormones. Whenever hypothalamus senses any changes in the body it sends the signal to that specific gland for the correct regulation of that particular process.