NU 665 Midterm Exam - Questions & Correct Solutions This consists of aggregations of neuro- nal cell bodies. =t rims the surfaces of the cerebral hemispheres, forming the cerebral cortex A. Gray matter B. White matter A. Gray matter - Deep in the brain lie additional clusters of gray matter (Fig. 17-These include the basal ganglia, which affect movement, and the thalamus and the hypothala- mus structures in the diencephalon. The thalamus processes sensory impulses and relays them to the cerebral cortex. The hypothalamus maintains homeostasis (Bickley) - and regulates temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. The hypothalamus affects the endocrine system and governs emotional behaviors such as anger and sexual drive. :ormones secreted in the hypothalamus act directly on the pitu- itary gland. (Bickley) Bickley, Lynn S. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and :istory Taking, 12th Edition. Wolters Kluwer :ealth, 20160620. VitalBook file.This consists of neuronal axons that are coated with myelin. The myelin sheaths, which create the white color, allow nerve impulses to travel more rapidly. A. Gray matter B. White matter B. White matter The internal capsule is a white-matter structure where myelinated fibers converge from all parts of the cerebral cortex and descend into the brainstem.