Rhombencephalon

The Rhombencephalon (pronounced: rom-ben-sef-a-lon) is a term used in the field of neuroanatomy to describe a specific part of the developing vertebrate brain.

Etymology

The term Rhombencephalon is derived from the Greek words 'rhombos', meaning 'rhombus', and 'enkephalos', meaning 'brain'. It is so named because of its rhombus-like shape in cross-section.

Definition

The Rhombencephalon, also known as the hindbrain, is the posterior (caudal) part of the developing vertebrate brain, which is composed of the metencephalon and myelencephalon. It is responsible for motor control, balance and coordination, and the processing of sensory information.

Structure

The Rhombencephalon can be further divided into two main parts:

Metencephalon: This part of the Rhombencephalon develops into the pons and the cerebellum. The pons is involved in the control of sleep, respiration, swallowing, bladder control, hearing, equilibrium, taste, eye movement, facial expressions, and posture. The cerebellum plays a vital role in motor control, and it may also be involved in some cognitive functions such as attention and language.

Myelencephalon: This part of the Rhombencephalon develops into the medulla oblongata, which controls autonomic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Related Terms

Neuroanatomy: The study of the structure and organization of the nervous system.
Metencephalon: The upper part of the Rhombencephalon.
Myelencephalon: The lower part of the Rhombencephalon.
Pons: A part of the brain located in the metencephalon.
Cerebellum: A region of the brain that plays an important role in motor control.
Medulla oblongata: The lower half of the brainstem, controlling autonomic functions.