Prosencephalon

Prosencephalon

The Prosencephalon (also known as the forebrain) is the anterior part of the three primary divisions of the brain during early development of the central nervous system. It differentiates into the telencephalon and the diencephalon. The telencephalon develops into, among other things, the cerebrum which is the largest part of the human brain. The diencephalon gives rise to the thalamus and hypothalamus.

Development

The prosencephalon is formed during the third week of embryogenesis following the formation of the neural tube. It is initially a single vesicle (the primary vesicle), which then divides into the secondary vesicles, the telencephalon and the diencephalon.

Structure

The prosencephalon consists of the telencephalon and the diencephalon. The telencephalon differentiates into the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, and limbic system. The diencephalon develops into the thalamus and hypothalamus, and other related structures.

Function

The prosencephalon is responsible for a variety of functions including processing sensory information, controlling motor functions, and regulating temperature. It also plays a key role in learning, speech, emotion, and memory.

Clinical significance

Abnormal development of the prosencephalon can lead to a number of neurological disorders, such as holoprosencephaly, where the prosencephalon fails to divide into the two hemispheres of the brain.

See also

• Mesencephalon
• Rhombencephalon

References

Prosencephalon Resources
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