Neurons in the preoptic area can signal to organs and tissues to change their function, including altering thinking and feeling.

“If neurons in the preoptic area receive an electrical signal through the circuit I just described, that goes from skin to dorsal horn of the spinal cord, to lateral parabrachial, they will start sending signals out to the organs of your body and the tissues of your body to get those organs and tissues to do things. And believe it or not, your POA, your preoptic area, will actually change the way that you think and feel immediately.”