Supratentorial region

Supratentorial region is a term in anatomy that refers to the area located above the tentorium cerebelli, a fold of dura mater in the brain. This region includes the cerebral hemispheres (most of the brain's mass) and the diencephalon. The term "supratentorial" comes from the Latin words "supra," meaning above, and "tentorium," which refers to the tentorium cerebelli.

Anatomy

The supratentorial region is divided into two main parts: the cerebral hemispheres and the diencephalon. The cerebral hemispheres are further divided into the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, and limbic system. The diencephalon includes the thalamus and hypothalamus.

Cerebral Hemispheres

The cerebral hemispheres are the largest part of the brain and are responsible for higher brain functions, including thought, emotion, and action. The cerebral cortex, the outer layer of the cerebral hemispheres, is involved in cognitive functions such as memory, attention, consciousness, thought, language, and awareness.

Diencephalon

The diencephalon is located beneath the cerebral hemispheres and includes the thalamus and hypothalamus. The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information, while the hypothalamus is involved in various functions, including the regulation of body temperature, hunger, thirst, and sleep.

Clinical Significance

Conditions that affect the supratentorial region can have significant effects on a person's cognitive and physical abilities. These conditions can include stroke, brain tumor, traumatic brain injury, and various neurodegenerative diseases. Treatment for these conditions often involves neurosurgery, which can be challenging due to the complex anatomy of the supratentorial region.

See Also

• Infratentorial region
• Brain anatomy
• Neurosurgery

References

Supratentorial region Resources
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