1. the anterior division of the embryonic brain that develops into the cerebrum and related structures; the forebrain.
Usage: anatomy; embryology; technical

Examples

• The prosencephalon is one of the three primary divisions of the developing embryonic brain.
• During early neural development, the prosencephalon gives rise to the telencephalon and diencephalon.
• Damage to the prosencephalon during fetal development can affect cognitive function.
• The prosencephalon eventually forms the cerebral hemispheres and thalamus.
• Neurologists study the prosencephalon to understand how the forebrain develops in utero.