The diencephalon is a division of the forebrain surrounding the third ventricle, deep beneath the cerebral hemispheres. It includes the thalamus, hypothalamus and epithalamus. The anatomical name groups several interacting regions: circuits of the thalamus connect with the cerebral cortex, while the hypothalamus coordinates aspects of homeostasis and regulates signals to the pituitary gland.[ref]
Anatomy and Physiology 2e by J. Gordon Betts and others. §13.2, The Diencephalon, Thalamus and Hypothalamus
The relation to the third ventricle gives a useful way to read a section of the brain. The paired thalami lie beside the narrow midline fluid space; the surrounding neural tissue belongs to the diencephalic region, while cerebrospinal fluid occupies the cavity. Distinguishing the cavity from its walls connects the ventricular system to the organization of the surrounding brain.[ref]
Neuroscience, 2nd edition edited by D. Purves and others. The Ventricular System, Figure 1.17; ventricular spaces as anatomical landmarks
New to topics? Read the docs here!