Hypothalamus is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body. This healthy balance is created by connection of nervous and endocrine systems under hypothalamic regulation. As a part of the autonomic nervous system, it controls body temperature, appetite, emotions, sleep and also blood pressure. The endocrine part of hypothalamus produces neurohormones which then affect the release of hormones of the pituitary gland. The coordination of homeostatic mechanisms, behaviours and endocrine regulation makes hypothalamus an essential part of the brain.