Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Where in the brain is temperature deregulation associated with schizophrenia primarily regulated?

1. Thalamus

2. Amygdala

3. Hypothalamus

4. Cerebellum

The correct answer is: Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is primarily responsible for regulating various autonomic functions, including body temperature. In the context of schizophrenia, research indicates that individuals with the disorder may experience dysregulation in their ability to maintain an appropriate body temperature, which can be linked to the functioning of the hypothalamus. This part of the brain responds to changes in the internal and external environment and helps maintain homeostasis, including the regulation of temperature. In contrast, the thalamus primarily acts as a relay station for sensory information, the amygdala is involved in emotional processing and the modulation of fear responses, and the cerebellum plays a crucial role in the coordination of voluntary movements and balance. While these other brain structures are important for various functions, they do not have the direct role in temperature regulation that the hypothalamus does, making it the correct answer for this question.