Chapter 3.6 Thalamus And Hypothalamus

Question 1

What is the thalamus?

Answer 1

deep in the brain near the basal ganglia

Question 2

What are four functions of the thalamus?

Answer 2

1. Reinforces. Voluntary motor behaviour initiated by motor cortex
2. Serves as “relay station” and synaptic integrating center for sensory input
3. Helps direct attention to stimuli of interest
4. Capable of crude awareness of sensation but cannot distinguish location or intensity

Question 3

What is the hypothalamus?

Answer 3

• Colleciton of nuclei and associated fibres that lie beneath the thalamus
• integrating center for homeostatic funtions
• An important link between the Autonomic Nervous System and the endocrine system
• brain area most involved in directly regulating internal environment