Telencephalon: Characteristics And Functions

The brain is divided into different parts, including the telencephalon. It is the most extensive, anterior and superficial structure of the brain. Its name is used to attribute one of the formations generated during development because it is part of the structures arising from the neural tube.

It is located above the diencephalon and is the highest center of integration at the somatic and vegetative level.  In addition, it is divided into two hemispheres, the right and the left, which exchange information through the nerve fibers of the corpus callosum.

Thanks to the telencephalon, we have functions such as memory, emotions, the perception of smell, sight and taste, among others. Let’s explore this amazing part of our brain.

How is the telencephalon divided?

In addition, from an embryological and ontogenetic point of view, it can be divided into:

• ?? Neocortex: it means new or recent bark. These are the most evolved regions of the cortex. It is also called Isocortex. It is laminated in 6 horizontal layers
• ?? Paleocortex:  it is the part of the cortex which corresponds to the regions of termination of the olfactory pathways
• ?? Archicortex:  It is also known as the limbic lobe cortex. It is considered to be the oldest part of the cerebral cortex

The outermost part of the hemispheres is called the cerebral cortex and is divided into five lobes:

• ?? Frontal lobe: It is found in the most anterior part of the brain. He is in charge of the central information processing functions, thanks to him we have the executive functions
• ?? Parietal lobe: it participates in the sensory functions of recognition and position, in cognitive and analytical processes such as: memory, calculation and orientation

• ?? Occipital lobe: it is responsible for the perception and analysis of visual information. This includes distances, sizes, light, position, movement, etc.
• ?? Temporal lobe: it is located at the height of the ears. This is the area that has more connections with the limbic system, so it is an affective area. This lobe is also essential for memory
• ?? The insula: it is a structure located in the depth of the sylvian fissure, where the temporal and frontal parietal lobe converge. It is linked to the perception of taste and smell, visceral control, somatoperception and emotional integration, among other functions

Structures of the telencephalon

In addition to the previous divisions, the following parts of the telencephalon can be highlighted:

• ?? Cerebral cortex: as we have already seen, it divides into hemispheres and lobes, but also into layers that coordinate with each other as areas of sensitivity, motor and association responsible for the perception and processing of the information
• ?? Cerebral tonsils: this is a structure that is part of the limbic system. It is the one who takes care of all that concerns our emotional reactions. In addition, thanks to this, we can escape situations of risk and danger, emotional learning being possible
• ?? Its main roles are: the consolidation and evocation of memory. In addition, it is responsible for orientation, the ability to learn new things and to interpret our memories and the connection of these with emotions.

• ?? Olfactory bulb: this is one of the oldest parts of the brain. It is located under the lowest part of the cerebral cortex. It is responsible for processing information from odor receptors
• ?? Corpus striatum: this is the main access route to the basal ganglia. It is involved in movement control, procedural memory processing, the focus of attention, motivation and the reward system.

Pathology of the telencephalon

Every part of the brain is fundamental to our survival and complex to understand. For this reason, there are still pathologies whose causes we do not know to date, nor is there a cure.

The telencephalon is not far behind, it also presents serious pathologies that are difficult to decipher. Let’s look at some associated pathologies:

• ?? Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which the individual perceives distorted reality. Its origins are still debated; however, one of its causes may be a lack of glutamate, a neurotransmitter linked to emotions and behavior.
• ?? Depression: This is a mood disorder characterized by listlessness, ease of crying, increased or loss of appetite, and thoughts of suicide, among other factors
• Bipolarity: This is a mental disorder characterized by a manic or hypomanic state and major depression. This condition generates significant discomfort in those who suffer from it as well as those around them.
• ?? Parkinson’s disease: it is a disease in which the coordination of movement is affected. It involves cognitive deterioration, depression, and hyposomnia, among other factors. Its development has been largely linked to the disease of the basal ganglia

Today we have made great strides through research groups such as Scott and coworkers, who in their publication  in the journal Experimental Neurology  suggested that the key to neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease may be due to autosomal recessive genes.

We also think of the research published in an article  of 2918 in the magazine  The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry,  in which they pose the relationship of the endocannabinoid system with schizophrenia. In their study, they reveal how schizophrenia or bipolar disorder affects or does not affect twin pairs, depending on inherited abnormalities in the cannabinoid system.

However, although the treatment of these diseases is difficult, it is not impossible. Thanks to current research in neuroscience, we currently have clues to better understand them. We hope that in the future we can find a cure.

Our thoughts

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