Encephalon

The encephalon is the part of the central nervous system which is inclosed in the cranium and is continuous with the spinal cord. The encephalon is composed of the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, cerebral peduncles, cerebelum, and brainstem (midbrain, pons, medulla). The encephalon is wrapped up by the meninges, which is the system of membranes, enveloping the central nervous system.