Human Anatomy - Kotsan I. Ya. 2009
Brain
Diencephalon
The diencephalon occupies an intermediate position between the Telencephalon and the mesencephalon.
The Gray matter of the diencephalon is composed of nuclei that act as subcortical centers Processing all types of sensory modalities. The diencephalon also houses the reticular formation, extrapyramidal system centers, autonomic centers, and neurosecretory nuclei.
The White matter OF the diencephalon consists of ascending and descending projection tracts that provide bidirectional communication between subcortical structures and the Cerebral Cortex as well as the Spinal Cord nuclei.
In addition, the diencephalon includes two Endocrine glands: the Pituitary Gland (hypophysis), which, together with the corresponding hypothalamic nuclei, forms the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system, and the Pineal Gland (epiphysis cerebri).
The diencephalon comprises the following regions: the Thalamic region, located in the dorsal PARTS OF THE diencephalon, and the Hypothalamus, which encompasses its ventral regions. The cavity of the diencephalon is the Third ventricle.
Last update: 08/08/2026
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