= Diencephalon
{wiki}
The \b[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>.<Anatomy and Physiology 2e by J. Gordon Betts and others>[§13.2, The Diencephalon, Thalamus and Hypothalamus]{ref}
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>.<Neuroscience, 2nd edition edited by D. Purves and others>[The Ventricular System, Figure 1.17; ventricular spaces as anatomical landmarks]{ref}
Back to article page
