Hypothalamic heat-regulating center (commonly referred to as Preoptic area of the hypothalamus or Hypothalamic thermoregulatory center) (POA (for Preoptic Area), but no universal abbreviation specifically for "heat-regulating center")

The hypothalamic heat-regulating center consists of specialized nuclei within the hypothalamus, mainly the preoptic area (POA) and anterior hypothalamic nuclei, that integrate thermal sensory input from the body and trigger physiological effectors—such as sweating, shivering, changes in skin blood flow, and non-shivering thermogenesis—to maintain core body temperature within a narrow optimal range. These neurons respond to both internal and external temperature signals and coordinate complex autonomic and endocrine responses. Damage or dysfunction in these regions can result in disorders such as fever, hypothermia, or hyperthermia. The center functions through neural circuits rather than a single molecule or receptor, making it an anatomical and functional brain target but not a canonical molecular therapeutic target.

Other names

Preoptic areaHypothalamic thermoregulatory centerAnterior hypothalamusThermoregulatory center of the hypothalamus

Antipyretic drugs lower fever by inhibiting prostaglandin E2 synthesis in the hypothalamus, reducing the "set point" for body temperature regulation. No drugs directly target the "center" itself.