What part of the brain regulates body temperature?

The hypothalamus is the part of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature. It acts as the body's thermostat, maintaining homeostasis by sending signals to the body to either generate heat (through processes such as shivering and metabolism) or dissipate heat (via sweating and increased blood flow to the skin) when necessary.

The hypothalamus detects changes in body temperature through thermoreceptors and responds accordingly to keep the internal body temperature within the optimal range, typically around 37°C (98.6°F). This crucial function is essential for overall metabolic processes and physiological stability, highlighting the importance of the hypothalamus in maintaining health and performance in physical activities, as even minor fluctuations in body temperature can impact athletic performance and recovery.

While the cerebellum is primarily involved in motor control and coordination, the cortex handles higher-level functions such as thought and decision-making, and the medulla regulates vital involuntary functions like respiration and heart rate, none of these structures are directly involved in the regulation of body temperature.