The epithalamus is the most dorsal of the structures of the diencephalon. A major endocrine organ gland that regulates numerous body functions including metabolism and reproduction. The hypothalamus regulates the pituitary gland. Neurons in the hypothalamus have been linked to our biological clock. Osmoreceptors (modified neurons) in the hypothalamus respond to changing salt concentrations in the blood which in turn elicit responses from the kidneys as well as regulate thirst. Select neurons respond to blood levels of nutrients and regulate feelings of hunger or satiety. Select groups of hypothalamic neurons monitor blood temperature directly as well as respond to inputs from other thermoreceptors throughout the body and then send appropriate signals to systems that help regulate body temperature such as sweat glands. Hypothalamic neurons are involved in the perception of pleasure, fear and rage. The hypothalamus regulates many of the activities of the activity of the autonomic nervous system by controlling centers in the brain stem and spinal cord. (functions we don't have to consciously think about). ![]() The autonomic nervous system is a system of neurons that automatically regulate function such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, etc. Table: Select homeostatic roles of the hypothalamus. Some of the important functions of the hypothalamus are listed in the table below. Due to the key role it plays it maintaining normal body function it is sometimes referred to as the brain within the brain. As such, it is chiefly concerned with maintaining homeostasis. The hypothalamus is the visceral control center, it regulates functions of the internal organs. The hypothalamus is so named because of its position below the thalamus. In addition, it is thought to play an important role in maintained the aroused state and damage to the thalamus can result in coma. It also plays an important role in regulating out states of sleep and wakefulness. "Thalamic control of sensory selection in divided attention," Nature, October 21, 2015. A recent study suggest that the thalamus plays an important role in our ability to concentrate on the task at hand by ignoring distracting sensory input. Thus, specific localizations and interpretation of stimuli occur in the cerebral cortex but only after careful sorting through the gate keeper, the thalamus. The thalamus edits and sorts out information and then categorizes similar functions to be relayed as a group to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex. With the exception of smell, afferent neurons from all parts of the body converge and synapse in the thalamus which in turn relays the information to specific regions of the cerebral cortex. The Thalamusīy the simplest definition, the thalamus is the sorter or relay center for information coming into the cerebral cortex from all parts of the body (sensory impulses). Downloaded from Image Quest Britannica BYU-Idaho.ĭiagram illustrating the diencephalon, including the thalamus, hypothalamus and epithalamus (pineal gland). It is the connection between the brain stem and the cerebrum and consists of three gray matter structures the thalamus, the hypothalamus and the epithalamus (see figure below). The hindbrain, also referred to as the brainstem, is made of the medulla, pons, cranial nerves, and back part of the brain called cerebellum.The diencephalon (interbrain) is a region at the core of the brain and is surrounded by the cerebral hemispheres. ![]() The midbrain consists of various cranial nerve nuclei, tectum, tegmentum, colliculi, and crura cerebi. The structures in the forebrain include the cerebrum, thalamus, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, limbic system, and the olfactory bulb. The forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain make up the three major parts of the brain. The brain works as a single organ but is divided into areas of special expertise and function. Our emotions, memory and personality as well as our senses-sight, touch, hearing, taste, smell-originate in our brain. The brain controls both voluntary actions, like talking and running, and involuntary actions like breathing and reflexes. The major parts of the brain are made up of different structures each of which has a unique and important function.
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