Chapter 14, Problem 1TYR

Which of these is caudal to the hypothalamus?

1. a. the thalamus
2. b. the optic chiasm
3. c. the cerebral aqueduct
4. d. the pituitary gland
5. e. the corpus callosum

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The brain is a vital organ of humans where all the life activities are processed and communicated to all parts of the body. The rostral region and caudal region represent the direction of the brain. The rostral region represents the direction towards the face, and the caudal region is the direction that represents the tail region of the brain. The cerebral aqueduct is a part of the brain ventricular system which connects the third ventricle present in the diencephalon and the fourth ventricle present in the brain stem.

Answer to Problem 1TYR

Correct answer:

The cerebral aqueduct is caudal to the hypothalamus. Therefore, option cis correct.

Explanation of Solution

Justify the reasons for the correct statement:

The cerebral aqueduct helps to connect the third and fourth ventricles of the brain ventricular system. It is just caudal to the hypothalamus, in the midbrain, and travels through the cerebral aqueduct canal. It divides the dorsal side and ventral side of the brain.

Option (c) is given as, “the cerebral aqueduct”.

The cerebral aqueduct is a connecting duct that passes from the third ventricle to the fourth ventricle. It is present just behind the hypothalamus.

Hence, option (c)is correct.

Justify the reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option (a) is given as, “the thalamus”.

The thalamus is surrounded by the third ventricle and is situated at the top of the brain stem. It is differentiated from the diencephalon during embryonic development.Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (b) is given as, “the optic chiasm”.

The optic chiasm is present below the hypothalamus; it is located at the bottom of the brain.Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (d) is given as, “pituitary gland”.

The pituitary gland is the master gland of the endocrine system, which is located at the bottom of the hypothalamus. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (e) is given as, “the corpus callosum”.

The two cerebral hemispheres are divided into right and left hemispheres. These hemispheres are separated by a thick band of nerves known as the corpus callosum. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (a), (b), (d), and (e) are incorrect.

Conclusion

The brain has four ventricles that are considered as internal chambers. Four ventricles are connected to each other by the canals. One of the canals is situated just behind the hypothalamus or the caudal region of the hypothalamus.