Diencephalon

Question 1

What are the three structures in the diencephalon?

Answer 1

• thalamus
• hypothalamus
• epithalamus

Question 2

What structure is the diencephalon associated with?

Answer 2

the 3rd ventricle

Question 3

thalamus

Answer 3

an egg-shaped structure that makes up about 80% of the diencephalon.
if forms the superolateral wall of the third ventricle.
the thalamus plays a key role in relaying sensation, motor activities, cortical arousal, learning and memory

Question 4

what does the thalamus contain?

Answer 4

about a dozen nuclei, each which a specific function

Question 5

interthalamic adhesion

Answer 5

a midline connection which joins each thalamus to the other

Question 6

where is the hypothalamus located?

Answer 6

located below the thalamus. if forms the inferolateral wall of the third ventricle and extends from the optic chiasma. it is superior to the midbrain.

Question 7

hypothalamus

Answer 7

controls the pituitary gland. it acts as the autonomic control centre, centre for emotional response, body temp regulation, regulation of food intake, regulation of water balance and thirst, and control of endocrine system functioning.

Question 8

epithalamus

Answer 8

is a small, cone-shaped body. it is attached to the roof of the third ventricle and contains calcium salts in adults

Question 9

pineal gland

Answer 9

in the epithalamus. generates melatonin, the sleep-inducing signal

Question 10

damage to the hypothelamus

Answer 10

can result in

• various neuroendocrine disturbances
• autonomic dysfunction
• disturbances in temperature regulation, water balance, sexual behaviour and food intake
• changed in the level of consciousness

Question 11

what is the most common cause of damage to the hypothalamus?

Answer 11

tumors

an early symptom is visual field defects, as enlargement of the hypothalamus will block the optic chiasm or optic tract