diencephalon

American  

[dahy-en-sef-uh-lon] / ˌdaɪ ɛnˈsɛf əˌlɒn /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

diencephalons, diencephala

1. the posterior section of the forebrain.

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diencephalon British  

/ ˌdaɪɛnsɪˈfælɪk, ˌdaɪɛnˈsɛfəˌlɒn /

noun

1. the part of the brain that includes the basal ganglia, thalamus, hypothalamus, and associated areas

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Other Word Forms

• diencephalic adjective

Etymology

Origin of diencephalon

From New Latin, dating back to 1880–85; see origin at di- ³, encephalon

Example Sentences

The spinal cord is a single structure, whereas the adult brain is described in terms of four major regions: the cerebrum, the diencephalon, the brain stem, and the cerebellum.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Output from the cerebrum passes through the diencephalon.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The pineal gland is an endocrine structure of the diencephalon of the brain, and is located inferior and posterior to the thalamus.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The adult brain is separated into four major regions: the cerebrum, the diencephalon, the brain stem, and the cerebellum.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Figure 13.11 The Diencephalon The diencephalon is composed primarily of the thalamus and hypothalamus, which together define the walls of the third ventricle.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013