Which structures are part of the telencephalon?

• A. Cerebral cortex, limbic system and basal ganglia
• B. Thalamus and hypothalamus
• C. Cerebellum and brainstem
• D. Massa intermedia and pineal gland

Answer: (A)

The telencephalon gives rise to the cerebrum, which includes the cerebral cortex on the surface and internal nuclei that form the limbic system and basal ganglia. These three components—cerebral cortex, limbic system, and basal ganglia—are all structures that develop from the telencephalon, so they are the ones that fit the item. In contrast, the thalamus and hypothalamus belong to the diencephalon; the cerebellum and brainstem come from the hindbrain (rhombencephalon); and the massa intermedia and pineal gland are diencephalic structures associated with the thalamus and epithalamus, respectively.