diencephalon

diencephalon contains

epithalamus, thalamus, hypothalamus

anterior commissure

connects cerebral hemispheres

optic chiasm

where optic nerves cross; enter brain

interthalamic adhesion

bumplike extension of gray matter into third ventricle from sides of thalamus; no fibers crossed

epithalamus

roof of diencephalon; superior to third ventricle. contains choroid plexus and pineal gland

pineal gland

secretes melatonin

thalamus

superior to midbrain. filters sensory info, passing on only small portion. final relay for ascending sensory info being projected to cerebral cortex. each thalamic region connected to specific areas in cortex

lateral geniculate body

receives visual info from optic tract. sends signals to midbrain and occipital lobe

medial geniculate nucleu

relays auditory info from receptors in inner ear to appropriate areas in cerebral cortex

hypothalamus

contains important control and integrative centers

hypothalamus can be stimulated by

sensory info from cerebrum, brainstem, and spinal cord. changes in CSF, or chemicals in circulating blood

infundibulum

connects hypothalamus to pituitary gland