The human brain is the main organ of the nervous system, which allows the performance of the functions and processes characteristic of human beings. But do we really know what our brain is like? If the answer is no, do not hesitate to gather information about what it is like, what its parts are and its main functions.
Since information is power, the more knowledge we have, the freer we will be. Therefore, in this Online Psychology article, we bring you information about one of the most unknown brain areas. Specifically, we offer you information about the epithalamus: what it is, parts and functions.
What is the epithalamus
The epithalamus is a small pinkish-gray structure, specifically about 7 millimeters in length. This structure is part of the brain or organ that controls the functions of the human being, and is located above the dorsal surface of the thalamus, below the corpus callosumand shares an area with the third ventricle.
This small structure is related to the limbic system, considered the emotional brain, since it regulates human emotions and instincts. Despite its small size, the epithalamus allows the performance of essential tasks for human beings.
Furthermore, along with and, constitutes the diencephalon or part of the nervous system that encompasses several functional areas of the human brain. If you want to know more about this structure, check out this article about it.
Parts of the epithalamus
The epithalamus is composed of two structures, mainly, of great relevance for human beings and their functioning. Both structures are detailed below:
1. Epiphysis or pineal gland
This gland is located in the posterior part of the third ventricle. The pineal gland is characterized by containing glial cells, cells of the nervous system that do not have axons. Now, despite being the smallest gland in the human body, it carries out numerous processes:
- Secretes melatonin from serotonin.
- Regulates sleep and wake rhythms.
- Participate in the synthesis of endorphins and sex hormones.
- Promotes growth and sexual maturation.
- Regulates the endocrine system.
If you want to know more about this structure that makes up the epithalamus, we recommend you consult this article about it.
2. Habenular nuclei
Don’t you know what Habenula is? This structure of the epithalamus is connected to the pineal gland, and serves as a bridge with other parts of the brain. The habenular nuclei are divided into two differentiated areas:
- The lateral habenular nucleus.
- The medial habenular nucleus.
It has been proven that this structure is related to fear and . Therefore, the stimulation of this brain structure can improve the condition of people suffering from depression. Also, it has been shown that these nuclei participate in the evocation of emotions through smells determined.
Functions of the epithalamus
Now that you know what structures make up the epithalamus and what it regulates, it will be easier for you to understand that the functions carried out by the epithalamus are due to the communication between the parts that compose it and its connection with the limbic system.
That is, its functionality occurs thanks to the neuronal connections existing in the human brain. The functions developed by the epithalamus are related to human adaptation and survival. Among the main functions of said brain structure, the following stand out.
- Manages circadian rhythms.
- Regulates energy savings.
- Releases melatonin from.
- Contributes to growth and sexual maturation.
- Relate certain smells to specific emotions.
- Regulates sleep and wake cycles.
- Modulates the mood.
- Influences motivation management
- Regulates emotional processes.
- Participates in the regulation of physiological responses.
- Modulates instincts.
Consequences of injuries to the epithalamus
The alteration or damage to any of the structures that make up the epithalamus can lead humans to suffer the following problems:
- Difficulty controlling instincts.
- Emotional imbalance.
- Limitation of sexual and maturational growth.
- Sleep disorder.
- Mood alteration.
- energy lack of control.
- Inability to evoke emotions through smells.
- Difficulty releasing melatonin.
- Inability to regulate physiological responses.
- Occurrence of psychological disorderssuch as anxiety or depression.
- Biological alteration of regular time intervals.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Akagi, K., & Powell, E.W. (1968). Differential projections of habenular nuclei. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 132(2), 263-273. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/cne.901320204
- IlIll, L.S. (1985). Neurology of the hypothalamus and diencephalon. Arch. Invest. Méd.(Méx.), 16(Supl 3), 33. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Bruno-Estanol/publication/19318508_Neurology_of_neuroendocrinological_disturbances/links/5771e0e108ae6219474a5ee7/Neurology-of-neuroendocrinological-disturbances. pdf
- Nieuwenhuys, R., Voogd, J., van Huijzen, C., & Papa, M. (2010). Diencephalon: introduction to the epithalamus. In Il central nervous system (pp. 247-251). Springer, Milan. Available at: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-88-470-1140-3_7
- Roa, I., & del Sol, M. (2014). Morphology of the pineal gland: review of the literature. International Journal of Morphology, 32(2), 515-521. Available at: https://scielo.conicyt.cl/scielo.php?pid=S0717-95022014000200023&script=sci_arttext&tlng=p