Epithalamus: characteristics and functions

The epithalamus is a small structure that carries out great functions for our survival.. It regulates circadian rhythms, our night’s rest and even energy saving. Likewise, and thanks to its connection with the limbic system, it participates in those emotional processes that build our motivation and even those states that cause depression.

We have all heard about those relevant parts of our brain such as the hippocampus, the cerebral cortex, the pineal gland or, of course, the cerebral lobes. However, the epithalamus is not yet well known.; In fact, neurologists still don’t know much about this discreet part of the diencephalon, located just above the thalamus.

Thus, the most interesting thing about the epithalamus is undoubtedly its role within all those hormonal functions that regulate sleep and wake cycles, and that, in addition, They stimulate growth and our maturation. On the other hand, and within the field of psychology, it is especially crucial to understand how this discreet but decisive structure acts to modulate our moods.

In the cerebral universe, as in life itself, the smallest things sometimes carry great responsibilities. This tiny area of ​​the diencephalon is a clear example. Let’s find out more about the epithalamus.

Where is the epithalamus?

The epithalamus is inside a brain area known as the diencephalon. This last region, in case we have not heard of it, is located in the forebrain, thus encompassing other structures such as the thalamus, hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

Likewise, as we have previously pointed out, the epithalamus sits on top of the thalamus and shares space with the third ventricle. It should also be noted that If there is something for which it is distinguished, it is for its connections with the limbic systemLet us remember, those brain areas responsible for regulating our emotions, certain physiological responses and also our instincts.

We are not wrong, therefore, if we point out that the diencephalon and all the areas that compose it They make up, in phylogenetic terms, that oldest part of the human brain.

Parts of the epithalamus and their functions

Each function carried out by the epithalamus is carried out based on the communication of the parts that make it up, added to its connection with the limbic system.. As we well know, nothing in the brain works in isolation, connectivity is maximum and perfectly regulated by those neural connections where information flows at every moment.

Let us therefore see what the areas of the epithalamus are and what task is carried out in each of them.

habenular nuclei

The habenula, or habenular nuclei, are connected to the pineal gland and facilitate the connection between the limbic system and the reticular formation. They are also divided into two very specific parts: the lateral habenual nucleus and the medial habenular nucleus.

This area is related to fear and to those decisions by which we decide to be prudent and not take risks. Thus, in addition to participating in avoidance behaviors, the University of British Columbia conducted a study that appears published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, where it is shown that the habenula would also be related to depression (any alteration in it facilitates more withdrawn behaviors characterized by fear)On the other hand, neurologists like Stan Floresco, a researcher at the Psychology and Brain Research Center (BRC) at the University of British Columbia, tells us that Brain stimulation in this area improves the condition of patients with deep depression. An interesting fact that is worth taking into account. Lastly, and no less interesting, it is known that the habenula is related to our ability to evoke emotions when feeling certain smells.

Pineal gland

The pineal gland is a much better known structure (especially by spiritual currents who define it as the “third eye”). However, and beyond these non-scientific approaches, it should be said that this part of the epithalamus is a key piece in our endocrine processes:

The pineal gland is located at the back of the third ventricle.It is the smallest gland in our body, but it regulates a large number of processes.It is responsible for secreting melatonin from serotonin. Something undoubtedly essential to facilitate our sleep and wake cycles, as explained to us in a study carried out at the University of Michigan and published in the journal Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology.Furthermore, the pineal gland does not contain true neurons, they are actually glial cells. Likewise, it also participates in the synthesis of endorphins, sexual and luteinizing hormones, key to our growth and sexual maturation.

To conclude, within the nervous system, the epithalamus is at first glance one of the most discreet parts due to its small size. However, as we have seen when learning about the importance of the habenula and the pineal gland, we can already intuit that it is an area of ​​little relevance.

The epithalamus is that orchestra conductor that regulates our cycles of vigilance and rest, who facilitates this avoidance behavior towards danger, who drives our growth in childhood., the connection with sunlight so that the body knows when to lower the activation level… In essence, any alteration would completely affect our usual behavior. In this way, knowing these data about our brain allows us to better understand many of our behaviors.

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