Anatomy and Cell Biology 3319 Chapter Notes -Thermostat, Neuroglia, Libido
2 Oct 2013
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Know the major subdivisions of the thalamus, their main connections and primary function. Describe the location and major functions of the hypothalamus and epithalamus. Diencephalon is surrounded by the cerebral hemispheres. Consists of: *summary: thalamus (thalamic nuclei) Processes and relays information to the cerebral cortex: hypothalamus. Functions as the main visceral control center, involved with: Regulation of body temperature, hunger, and thirst sensations. Formation of memory: epithalamus (pineal gland) Secretes melatonin, which induces sleep: subthalamus (includes subthalamic nucleus) Forms the superolateral walls of the third ventricle. Interthalamic adhesion (intermediate mass): connection between left and right parts of thalamus. Contains about a dozen major nuclei: each sends axons to particular part of cerebral cortex. Ventral posterolateral nuclei act as relay stations for sensory information ascending to the primary sensory areas of cerebral cortex. Afferent impulses from all conscious senses except olfaction (smell) converge on thalamus and synapse in at least one of its nuclei: ex, medial geniculate body receives auditory input.
