14.5 The Diencephalon

Diencephalon

A region of the forebrain surrounding the third ventricle; includes the thalamus and the hypothalamus.

Thalamus

A structure in the forebrain through which all sensory information (except smell) must pass to get to the cerebral cortex.

Function of hypothalamus

Control of ANS; production of hormones; regulation of emotional and behavioral patterns; regulation of eating and drinking; control of temperature; regulation of circadian rhythms and states of consciousness

Cirumventricular organs

No blood brain barrier; monitor changes in blood; coordinate homeostatic activities of endocrine and nervous systems

Components of thalamus

anterior group, medial group, ventral group, posterior group (pulvinar, lateral geniculate nuclei, medial geniculate nuclei), lateral group

Components of Diencephalon

contains thalamus, subthalamus, epithalamus, and hypothalamus

Functions of Diencephalon

regulates consciousness, blood pressure, respiration, sleep temperature, endocrine levels, neurotransmitter interactions

Functions of thalamus

relays sensory impulses from the spinal cord to the cerebrum then sends response in right direction, interprets stimuli like pain, temperature, touch, helps maintain consciousness

Intermediate mass

Also called the interthalamic adhesion; a bundle of gray matter that serves as a bridge through the third ventricle, joining the right and left thalamic nuclei

Function of epithalamus

Helps regulate circadian rhythms, & influences secretion of the pituitary, adrenal, & parathyroid glands and pancreas.

Components of hypothalamus

Mammillary region; tuberal region; supraoptic region; preoptic region