prosencephalon

What is Prosencephalon Disease in Cats?

The prosencephalon in cats is another term for the forebrain which is the anterior part of the brain. To help you better understand the prosencephalon, we will review some basic information about the cat brain.

The physical structure of the cat brain is very similar to our brains. The brain is part of the neurological system and located within the skull. It is a soft mass of pinkish gray nerve tissue. The other major portion of the nervous system is the spinal cord which attaches to the base of the brain. Together the brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system. Nerves found throughout the rest of the body make up the peripheral nervous system.

The brain is divided into three compartments: the brain stem, cerebrum and cerebellum.

The brain, spinal cord, and nerves transmit signals throughout the body that allow cats (and us) to learn, think, walk, run, and even breathe. Nerve impulses transmit signals to our organs that control function. The brain also controls sensory impulses such as taste, smell, hearing, vision and pain.

What Does the Cat Prosencephalon Do?

The prosencephalon, also known as the forebrain, is the part of the brain in the front of the skull that consists of the cerebrum, thalamus and the hypothalamus. A normally functioning prosencephalon allows your cat to behave normally, recognize you, walk, react, and respond to stimuli in the environment.

Signs of Prosencephalon Disease or Abnormalities in Cats

Symptoms of prosencephalon disease in cats may include any or all of the following depending on the exact part of the brain affected.

Diagnostic Tests to Determine Prosencephalon Disease in Cats

Basic diagnostic tests to evaluate abnormalities of the prosencephalon may include:

Advanced diagnostic tests are important methods to evaluate abnormalities of the prosencephalon. The most important are computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Tests may include:

Possible Diseases of the Prosencephalon in Cats

There are various diseases that affect the forebrain of cats. They include:

Reference Articles That May Be of Interest About Prosencephalon Disease in Cats: