The term anterior hypothalamic nucleus refers to one of two divisions of the anterior hypothalamic area as defined by Nissl stain in the rat ( Swanson-2004 ) and the mouse ( Hof-2000 ). It is not found in the human ( Saper-2004 ) or macaque ( Paxinos-2009a ). It differs from the other division, the anterior hypothalamic area proper, in that the cellular distribution is more compact. In the rat and mouse the nucleus is composed of four parts: the anterior part of the anterior hypothalamic nucleus, the central part of the anterior hypothalamic nucleus, the posterior part of the anterior hypothalamic nucleus and the dorsal part of the anterior hypothalamic nucleus. Functionally it is part of the behavior control column of the subcortical motor system ( Swanson-2004 ).