Thalamus/hypothalamus

Question 1

Forebrain

Answer 1

-includes cerebral cortex and diencephalon

Question 2

Where does the cerebral cortex grow from?

Answer 2

-grows out from the diencephalon therefore it stays midline

Question 3

Diencephalon structures

Answer 3

-thalamus
-epithalamus (pineal gland)
-hypothalamus

Question 4

Thalamus histological structures

Answer 4

-large number of nuclei (grey matter)

Question 5

Thalamus functions

Answer 5

-relay and processing center for information going in/out of the cerebral cortex
>all information except the olfactory nerve
-central role in maintaining consciousness
-sleep coordinates neuronal firing
>bursting patterns of brain activation are blocked by the thalamus

Question 6

Thalamus lesion outcomes

Answer 6

1. UMN signs
2. Proprioceptive deficits
3. Altered levels of consciousness (sleep  death)
4. Seizures
5. LMN to CN II, III (visual deficits) because close proximity

Question 7

Hypothalamus location

Answer 7

-ventral aspect of the diencephalon. Surrounds the ventral aspect of the 3rd ventricle

Question 8

Hypothalamus functions

Answer 8

-control of internal stimuli/internal body environment (increased CO2, micturition)
-coordination go physiological, behavioural, and hormonal responses to maintain homeostasis
>thermoregulation
>osmoregulation
>appetite/thirst
>sleep/wake cycles
>endocrine regulation (reproductive hormones, growth hormones)