Diencephalon

Sits on top of the brain stem

Enclosed by the cerebral heispheres Made of three parts
Thalamus Hypothalamus

Epithalamus

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Diencephalon

Figure 7.15
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Figure 4.8 The human brain stem This composite structure extends from the top of the spinal cord into the center of the forebrain. The pons, pineal gland, and colliculi are ordinarily surrounded by the cerebral cortex.

The Brainstem: Medulla oblongata Most inferior portion, functions as a conduction pathway (descending motor neuron pathways decussate here) Reflex centers for: regulating heart rate blood vessel diameter

coughing, sneezing
breathing swallowing

The Brainstem: Pons Superior to Medulla oblongata. Contains more ascending and descending pathways.

Relays information from cerebrum to cerebellum.

Also includes sleep and respiratory centers.

The Brainstem: Midbrain Small section superior to the pons. Part of the auditory pathways and visual reflexes Also involved in regulating muscle tone/activity and coordination

The Brain: Reticular formation 2 types of nuclei: Cranial nerves III-XII and Reticular Formation nuclei which are scattered throughout brainstem Many pathways from RF project directly to cerebrum to modulate activity Habituation (repetitive stimuli) Reticular Activating System

The Diencephalon: Thalamus Gateway to cerebral cortex Most sensory stimuli project to the thalamus, which in turn projects to the cerebrum. Thalamus also influences moods and activities associated with strong emotion. (Two concepts: Sensory integration and Mood)

The Diencephalon: Hypothalamus Major control center of autonomic nervous system and endocrine system. Centers associated with:

* Food/H2O intake * Thermoregulation * Cardiovascular regulation * Hormone secretion * Sleep/waking * Emotional behavior

Thalamus
Surrounds the third ventricle The relay station for sensory impulses Transfers impulses to the correct part of the cortex for localization and interpretation

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Hypothalamus
Under the thalamus Important autonomic nervous system center
Helps regulate body temperature Controls water balance Regulates metabolism

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Hypothalamus

An important part of the limbic system (emotions) The pituitary gland is attached to the hypothalamus

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Epithalamus

Forms the roof of the third ventricle Houses the pineal body (an endocrine gland) Includes the choroid plexus forms cerebrospinal fluid

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Brain Stem
Attaches to the spinal cord

Parts of the brain stem

Midbrain Pons Medulla oblongata

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Brain Stem

Figure 7.15a
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Midbrain
Mostly composed of tracts of nerve fibers
Reflex centers for vision and hearing

Cerebral aquaduct 3rd-4th ventricles

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Pons

The bulging center part of the brain stem Mostly composed of fiber tracts Includes nuclei involved in the control of breathing

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Medulla Oblongata
The lowest part of the brain stem Merges into the spinal cord Includes important fiber tracts Contains important control centers
Heart rate control Blood pressure regulation Breathing Swallowing Vomiting
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