# Diencephalon --- The **diencephalon** is the part of the [[brain]] that is the "in-between" part, located inferior to the [[cerebrum]]. It acts as a sort of relay station between the [[peripheral nervous system]] and the rest of the [[central nervous system]], where it receives signals before sending them on to the [[cerebrum]] It is made up of three major structure: - The [[thalamus]], which acts as a sort of "post office" for the brain. This is where sensory information lands in the brain, before it is relayed where it needs to go. - The [[hypothalamus]], which, despite its tiny size, is incredibly important for regulating the endocrine, limbic, and other systems. - The **epithalamus** has some hormone and exocrine functions, such as producing [[melatonin]] via the **pineal gland** and CSF via the [[choroid plexus]]. The diencephalon is also where the third [[brain ventricles]] is located. ___