Mod4-Obj2: Components of the diencephalon (thalamus and hypothalamus)

Question 1

The diencephalon

Answer 1

Includes the thalamus, hypothalamus and epithalamus

Question 2

The thalamus

Answer 2

80% of the diencephalon

-Bilateral egg-shaped collection of nuclei

Question 3

The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information coming into the cerebral cortex…

Answer 3

‘gateway to the cerebral cortex’

• Sorts and edits sensory information and conducts it to the relevant areas of the cerebral cortex e.g.) taste information to the gustatory cortex
• Conducts impulses between the cerebral motor areas and cerebellum
• Involved in cortical arousal (alertness), learning and memory processing

Question 4

The hypothalamus

Answer 4

Small structure, below the thalamus

-Collection of nuclei with many vital functions

Question 5

7 functions of the hypothalamus: Chief integration centre of the autonomic nervous system

Answer 5

Regulates the ANS by controlling centres in the brain stem and spinal cord
e.g.) cardiac and respiratory function

Question 6

7 functions of the hypothalamus: Centre for emotional responses

Answer 6

Part of the limbic system

Question 7

7 functions of the hypothalamus: Thermoregulatory centre

Answer 7

Monitors and regulates body temperature

Question 8

7 functions of the hypothalamus

Answer 8

1. ) Chief integration centre of the autonomic nervous system
2. ) Centre for emotional responses
3. ) Thermoregulatory centre
4. ) Regulation of food intake
5. ) Regulation of water balance
6. ) Regulation of sleep-wake cycle
7. ) Controls endocrine system functioning

Question 9

7 functions of the hypothalamus: Regulation of food intake

Answer 9

Appetite and satiety

Question 10

7 functions of the hypothalamus: Regulation of water balance

Answer 10

By monitoring plasma Na+ concentration and triggering the release of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) and promoting thirst

Question 11

7 functions of the hypothalamus: Regulation of sleep-wake cycle

Answer 11

Biological clock

Question 12

7 functions of the hypothalamus: Controls endocrine system functioning

Answer 12

Primarily via the pituitary gland

Question 13

The epithalamus

Answer 13

Most posterior portion of the diencephalon

• Incorporates the pineal gland
• Produces melatonin: induces sleep
• Helps the hypothalamus regulate sleep-wake cycles