Overview of the diencephalon

Introduction

The human brain is divided into several specific parts which include:

• Cerebrum (forebrain)
• Brainstem
• Cerebellum

The cerebrum (a.k.a. forebrain) can be further divided into two parts: the telencephalon (with the cerebral cortex, the white matter and the basal ganglia) and the diencephalon that occupies the central region of the brain (around the third ventricle). 

The diencephalon is further divided into several distinct parts, namely the:

• Thalamus: occupies the central and largest portion of the diencephalon (many other parts of the diencephalon take their names based on their relevant position compared to the thalamus). It is an ovoid, bilateral gray matter structure, found in the center of the brain, just superior to the brainstem. The thalamus has many important functions, but in general, it is considered to be the central relay station of the brain, that relays limbic, sensory and motor information between the cerebral cortex and the rest of the nervous system.
• Subthalamus: lies inferior to the posterior part of the thalamus, posterior and lateral to the hypothalamus. The largest division of the subthalamus is the subthalamic nucleus which plays a fundamental role in the circuitry of the basal ganglia (i.e. movement regulation).
• Epithalamus: a tiny, dorsal part of the diencephalon that participates in the formation of the roof of the third ventricle. The structures that make up the epithalamus are the pineal gland and habenular nuclei.
• Hypothalamus: the inferiormost part of the diencephalon, located anteroinferior to the thalamus. It can be divided into several regions, each of which is responsible for certain functions. In general, it forms connections with different body systems (endocrine, autonomic and limbic) through which it controls some vital functions of the human body (e.g. homeostasis, energy consumption, hunger, awareness, etc.).
  

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Take a closer look at the diencephalon and surrounding structures in the gallery below.

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Summary