The Diencephalon

What does the diencephalon consist of?

the epithalamus, thalamus, and hypothalamus

Epithalamus

contains the pineal gland which produces melatonin

What is the largest mass of nuclei in the entire CNS?

the thalamus

What is the function of the thalamic nuclei?

integrate and relay sensory and motor information

Thalamus

contains the left and right thalamus; acts as information filters, processing all of the incoming sensory information and then passing on only a small portion to the cerebrum or brainstem; coordinates motor activities at the conscious and subconscious levels

Which ventricle separates the left and right thalami?

third ventricle

Anterior nuclei of the thalamus

part of the limbic system

Medial nuclei of the thalamus

relay information to the frontal lobe

Ventral nuclei of the thalamus

relay information to the parietal lobes

Posterior nuclei of the thalamus

relays sensory information to the occipital
lobe

Lateral nuclei

adjust activity in the cingulate gyrus
and parietal lobe

Hypothalamus

contains centers involved with emotions and visceral processes; controls autonomic functions; sets appetite drives (hunger, thirst, libido), sets emotional states, integrates endocrine system

Paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus

secretes oxytocin (stimulates smooth muscle contractions in the uterus and mammary glands)

Pre-optic area of the hypothalamus

regulates body temperature

Autonomic centers of the hypothalamus

regulates heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and digestive functions

Suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus

regulates the circadian rhythm

Supra-optic nucleus of the hypothalamus 

secretes ADH, restricting water loss at the kidneys