The Diencephalon

Thalamus

sensory stimuli must pass through to get to the cerebral cortex (except for olfactory sensory neurons) contains three different stimuli, thalamic nuclei (relay stations), association nuclei (emotions, memory, sensory integration), and nonspecific nuclei (arousal, consciousness, responsiveness, and excitability)

Epithalamus

connection

Pineal Gland

receives info about night/day and produces melatonin

Subthalamus

modulates movement and plays a role with the basal nuclei

Medulla Oblongata

connects the brainstem and spinal cord. some of its main jobs include managing the heart, circulation, and breathing

Brainstem

homeostasis, reflexes, movement, sensation, and alertness

Pons

contains descending motor tracts from midbrain that carry stimuli. important for moving, breathing, reflexes, sleep, and arousal. allows cortex to communicate motor stimuli with spinal cord

Infundibulum

connection

Pituitary Gland

produces and secretes hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, and production

Hypothalamus

ANS homeostasis, sleep/wake cycle, thirst, hunger, and body temp. connects to the endocrine system. role in memory from being part of lymbic system. secretes releasing and inhibiting hormones. gets input from hippocampus and the mamillary bodies

Mamillary Body

Receives info and stimuli on recollection memory