diencephalon
noun
di·en·ceph·a·lon
ˌdī-ən-ˈse-fə-ˌlän 
ˌdī-(ˌ)en-,
-lən
: the posterior subdivision of the forebrain
Examples of diencephalon in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Though people in vegetative states are cognitively non-responsive, the brain stem and the brain region called the diencephalon are usually preserved.
—
Adrian Owen, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2017
The diencephalon regulates sleep-wake cycles and motor reflexes, while the brain stem controls automatic functions like breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, swallowing and pupil dilation.
—Adrian Owen, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2017
This gene is involved in brain development and is mostly expressed in a part of the brain called the diencephalon — an area previously found to differ in gay men.
—Leah Froats, Discover Magazine, 7 Dec. 2017
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Adrian Owen, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2017
The diencephalon regulates sleep-wake cycles and motor reflexes, while the brain stem controls automatic functions like breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, swallowing and pupil dilation.
—Adrian Owen, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2017
This gene is involved in brain development and is mostly expressed in a part of the brain called the diencephalon — an area previously found to differ in gay men.
—Leah Froats, Discover Magazine, 7 Dec. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Diencephalon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diencephalon. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
diencephalon
noun
di·en·ceph·a·lon
ˌdī-ən-ˈsef-ə-ˌlän
ˌdī-(ˌ)en-
ˌdī-(ˌ)en-
-lən
: the posterior subdivision of the forebrain
called also betweenbrain, interbrain
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