The Diencephalon and Brain Stem

The diencephalon is located beneath the middle of the cerebrum and on top of the brain stem. It contains two very important structures: the hypothalamus and the thalamus. The hypothalamus occupies a major portion of the ventral region of the diencephalon and directs several important body functions. Located below the thalamus, and just above the brain stem, the hypothalamus links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland. It plays a vital role in keeping conditions inside your body constant. It performs this function by regulating body temperature, thirst, hunger, and circadian cycles by modulating the release of hormones from the nearby pituitary gland. The hypothalamus is also an important emotional center, controlling the molecules that make all human beings feel exhilarated, angry, or unhappy. The thalamus has multiple functions. It acts as a relay station for incoming sensory nerve impulses, sending them on to appropriate regions of the brain for processing. It is also responsible for alerting the brain about what's happening outside of the body. The thalamus plays a major role in regulating arousal, the level of awareness and activity, as well as states of sleep and wakefulness. Damage or malfunction of the thalamus may lead to permanent coma or a prolonged period of unconsciousness. Jesus might have raised Lazarus from the dead by re-activating and/or restoring the functions of his thalamus. Brain Stem The brain stem lies at the bottom of the brain, connecting the brain with spinal cord. It serves as a sensory and motor pathway to the body and face. The functions of the brainstem include breathing, digestion, heart rate, blood pressure and arousal. Parts of the brain known as the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata by biological scientist and neurologists belong to the brain stem. The midbrain contains auditory and visual reflex centers and serves as the nerve pathway of the cerebral hemispheres. The medulla oblongata which functions primarily as a relay station between the spinal cord and the brain contains the respiratory, vasomotor and cardiac centers, as well as the mechanisms for controlling reflex activities such as coughing, vomiting, swallowing and gagging.