Epithalamus
Epithalamus
The Epithalamus (/ɛpɪˈθæləməs/; from Greek epi, "upon" + thalamus, "inner chamber") is a region of the brain that serves as a central hub for various neurological functions. It is part of the diencephalon, which also includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, and subthalamus.
Anatomy
The epithalamus is located at the dorsal part of the diencephalon and is primarily composed of the pineal gland, habenular trigone, stria medullaris, and the taenia thalami.
Function
The epithalamus plays a crucial role in connecting the limbic system to other parts of the brain. The pineal gland, a major component of the epithalamus, is involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms, melatonin production, and sleep-wake cycles. The habenular trigone is associated with pain processing and emotional responses to pain.
Clinical Significance
Abnormalities or damage to the epithalamus can lead to a variety of neurological disorders, including insomnia, depression, and certain types of seizures.
Etymology
The term "epithalamus" is derived from the Greek words epi, meaning "upon", and thalamus, meaning "inner chamber". This refers to its location in the brain, situated above the thalamus.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Epithalamus
- Wikipedia's article - Epithalamus
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