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
