Diencephalon

Question 1

The diencephalon is located between the cerebellum and the brainstem?

True

False

Answer 1

False

Explanation

This statement is false the diencephalon is positioned between the cerebral hemispheres (cerebrum not cerebellum) and the brainstem.

Question 2

Which of the following division of the diencephalon plays a role in the gating of information between the cortex and subcortical structures?

Thalamus

Hypothalamus

Subthalamus

Epithalamus

Answer 2

Thalamus

Explanation

The thalamus (also known as the dorsal thalamus) plays an important role in all functions because it serves as a gateway to the cortex. Essentially all Information being conveyed between cortical and subcortical structures will pass through the thalamus.

Question 3

Which of the following structures of the diencephalon will play a major role in the regulation of homeostatic functions?

Thalamus

Hypothalamus

Subthalamus

Answer 3

Hypothalamus

Explanation

The hypothalamus plays a major role in the mediating the activity of the visceromotor, viscerosensory, and endocrine systems regulating key homeostatic functions.

Question 4

A relay nucleus will receive information from multiple sources and project this information to multiple cortical areas.

True

False

Answer 4

False

Explanation

This statement is false: relay nuclei receive information from one source, process the information and then send information to one localized region of the cortex. Conversely, association nuclei receive information from multiple sources, process that information and then projects information to multiple areas of cortex (association areas).

Question 5

Which of the following nuclei are considered relay nuclei? Select all that apply.

ventral posterolateral

dorsomedial

lateral posterior

ventral lateral

ventral posteromedial

lateral geniculate body

Answer 5

ventral posterolateral, ventral lateral, ventral posteromedial, lateral geniculate body

Explanation

The relay nuclei include the: ventral posterolateral, ventral posteromedial, ventral anterior (not indicated above), ventral lateral, medial geniculate (not indicated above), lateral geniculate, and the anterior (not indicated above). The dorsomedial and lateral posterior are association nuclei.

Question 6

Which of the following relay nuclei will receive somatosensory input from the contralateral face and project information to somatosensory cortex?

ventral posterolateral

ventral posteromedial

ventral anterior

medial genicula

Answer 6

ventral posteromedial