Diencephalon Flashcards
4 parts of the diencephalon
thalamus
hypothalamus
epithalamus
subthalamic nuceli
where is the subthalamic nuclei located
superior to substantia nigra in the midbrain
inferior to thalamus
lateral to hypothalamus
function of subthalamic nuclei
controlling and fine-tuning movement
___________ is a part of the diencephalon AND the basal ganglia
subthalamic nucleus
what type of input does the subthalamic nucleus provide in the basal ganglia
excitatory
biggest structure of the epithalamus
pineal gland/body
what is the function of the pineal body
control circadian rhythm by secreting melatonin
function of epithalamus
regulate circadian rhythm
emotional responses
endocrine activity
is the thalamus gray or white matter
gray
what connects the L + R thalamus
massa intermedia
intramedullary lamina gray or white matter
white
what divides the thalamus into anteiror, lateral, and medial groups
intramedullary lamina
lateral wall of thalamus is formed by thin sheet of cells called….
thalamic reticular nucleus
what cells make up the medial thalamic wall? where are they located
midline nucleus cells
the walls of the 3rd ventricle
blood supply of thalamus
PCA
thalamoperforator
thalamogeniculate
posterior choroidal artery
what is the only sensory system that does not pass through the thalamus
olfactory
all thalamic nuclei project to the cerebral cortex EXCEPT
thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN)
many thalamic reticular nuclei contain what type of neurotransmitter? what does this suggest about its function?
GABA
it functions as an inhibitor
relay nuclei function
transmit motor + sensory info from BG, cerebellum, or sensory systems to cerebral cortex
association nuclei function (3)
higher-order processing
process memory and emotional info
integrates sensory info
non-specific nuclei function
helps regulate consciousness, arousal, attention
what functional thalamic nuclei is responsible for processing memory and emotional information
association nuclei
2 major somatosensory tracts
DCML
spinothalamic
what part of the diencephalon is involved in consciousness
thalamus
what parts of the diencephalon are important for sleep regulation and alertness
thalamus
hypothalamus
pusher syndrome
strong side pushes toward weak side + posterior push
what part of the diencephalon causes pusher syndrome
posteriolateral thalamus
where is the hypothalamus located
inferior and anterior to thalamus
what structure separates the thalamus and hypothalamus
hypothalamic sulcus
(shallow groove on 3rd ventricle wall)
what structure forms the posterior aspect of the hypothalamus
mammillary bodies
4 main hypothalamus functions
“HEAL”
Homeostatic functions
Endocrine control
Autonomic control
Limbic system
hypothalamus role in limbic system
expression of emotions
hypothalamus role in autonomic control
facilitation of SNS
hypothalamus role in endocrine control (3)
growth
metabolism
reproductive organs
hypothalamus role in homeostatic functions (6)
body temp
metabolism
BP
fluid regulation
digestion
circadian rhythms
where is pituitary gland contained
sella turcica/pituitary fossa of sphenoid bone
how does the hypothalamus communicate with the pituitary gland (pathway)
hypothalamus –> infundibulum –> pituitary stalk –> pituitary gland
what type of tissue is the anterior pituitary made of? what about posterior?
epithelial tissue
neural tissue
which part of the pituitary (ant/post) is continuous with the brain
POSTERIOR PITUITARY
which part of the pituitary (ant/post) secretes hormones into the bloodstream
anterior pituitary
hormones secreted by anterior pituitary
growth hormone
thyroid stimulating hormone
adenocorticotropic hormone
lutenizing hormone
follicle stimulating hormone
prolatin
LH, FSH, and prolactin general function
impacts ovaries/testes
stimulates milk production
adenocorticotropic hormone function
release glucocorticoids from adrenal cortex to
- increase protein/fat breakdown
- increase glucose production
- decrease inflammation
hormones released by posterior pituitary
antidiuretic hormone
oxytocin
antidiuretic hormone function
maintains pH
increases water reabsorption in kidney
reduces urine excretion
oxytocin function
uterine contractions during labor
milk expulsion
in the hypothalamic limbic pathway, what structure does the hippocampus use to communicate with the hypothalamic mammillary bodies?
FORNIX
_______________ make up 10-17% of all intracranial neoplasms
pituitary adenomas
what pituitary cell type is susceptible to pituitary adenomas
anterior pituitary cells that secrete hormones
large pituitary adenomas can put pressure on surrounding structures such as the optic chiasm, causing…..
bitemporal hemianopia
