The |thalamus| is located in the midportion of the diencephalon, a structure between the |cerebrum| and midbrain which also contains the epithalamus, the |hypothalamus|, and the subthalamus and surrounds the |third ventricle|. The |thalamus| contains ~nerve~ centers responsible for optic and auditory ~reflexes~, equilibrium, and posture. The |hypothalamus| contains the |optic chiasm|, the |infundibulum|, and the ~posterior~ |lobe| of the |pituitary gland|. It houses centers responsible for maintaining and regulating metabolism, body temperature, and emotions which affect |heart| rate, appetite, sexual arousal, and ~blood~ pressure.
