Definition
The Diencephalon is a division of the brain that is located just above the brainstem and includes the Thalamus, Hypothalamus, and Epithalamus, which together influence the regulation of motivated behaviors, internal states, and sensory input.
Description
The Diencephalon constitutes the inferior portion of the brain that includes the Thalamus, Hypothalamus, and Epithalamus. It is located at the head of the brainstem connecting the Cerebral cortex with the lower structures of the brainstem [6]. The Diencephalon, in combination with the Cerebral cortex, Limbic System, and Basal Ganglia constitutes the Forebrain which is the highest functional level of the brain. Functionally, the Diencephalon plays a role in the general regulation of water, body temperature, sleep, food intake, development of secondary sex characteristics, autonomic responses, and endocrine activity [5]. In addition, the Diencephalon is involved in the relay of visual, auditory, and tactile information, as...
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Noggle, C.A. (2011). Diencephalon. In: Goldstein, S., Naglieri, J.A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_847
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_847
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
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