Diencephalon

The forebrain caudal contains the third ventricle, pituitary, thalamus, hypothalamus, subthalamus and epithalamus. The neocortex relays input via the thalamus. The diencephalon’s most dorsal structure is the epithalamus. The third ventricle signals lateral ventricles and fourth ventricle via the interventricular foramen and mesencephalic aqueduct, respectively.  Visible on the diencephalon’s ventral surface is the hypothalamus containing optic chiasm and mamillary bodies, and controls endocrine and autonomic functions. Regulating the functions of internal organs, maintaining homeostasis and contributing to functions such as emotions, temperature, food intake, water, balance and sleep. The pituitary gland is attached at the infundibulum.