Module 6 Flashcards
What connects the thalami?
Massa intermedia
Aka
Interthalamic adhesion
What are the 4 anatomic structures of the diencephalon?
Thalamus
Hypothalamus
Epithalamus
Subthalamic
What is the key function of the thalamus?
It’s the processing center of the brain
GRAND CENTRAL STATION
What are the other functions of the thalamus?
Central relay station for sensory data
(Relays/receives general/sensory data)
performs gross interpretation of data
Integrates sensorimotor (includes motor speech) ROLE in MOTOR
Cognition/language behavior from Parieto-occ. (Sg/AG)
What happens when you have a lesion to the thalamus?
Aphasic symptoms
What are the two types of thalamic nuclei?
Relay nuclei (specific) Diffuse projection nuclei (non-specific)
What is the difference between relay and diffuse projection nuclei?
R: associated with specific sensory modality/ motor input
D: connections with thalamic nuclei/ cortex (non-specific)
R: projects to specific defined part of cortex
D: projects to entire cortex
R: receives input from specific defined part of cortex (reciprocal)
D: receives input from BS RF, thalamic nuclei and basal forebrain
D: influence arousal/ excitability
R: makes up most of thalamus
What are the 6 nuclear groups of the thalamic nuclei?
Anterior nucleus Reticular nucleus Intralaminar nucleus Medial nuclear complex Lateral nuclear complex (SPL) Ventral nuclear complex (SPL)
What is the function of the anterior nucleus?
Mediates emotional/ affective info
Visceral information
Related to limbic system
What is the function of the reticular nucleus?
Regulates level of activity of thalamic neurons
What is the function of the intralaminar nucleus?
Modulates (adjusts) arousal/ excitability of neurons related to sensorimotor
Probably role in pain perception
What is the function of the medial nuclear complex AKA dorsomedial?
Integrates visceral information BASED ON affect, emotions, thought processes and judgment
Lesions: lower threshold for rage
*ie If you’re really nervous you may throw up** thanks Lori lol
What is the function of the lateral nuclear complex aka pulvinar?
LARGEST thalamic nuclei
RECEIVES afferent connections from primary/association visual vortices
SENDS efferents to parietal/occipital/temporal (SG/AG)
Lesions to the lateral nuclear complex cause what?
Transient/persisting aphasia
Naming disturbances/ fluency disorders
Name the 5 nuclei that make up the ventral nuclear complex
Ventral Anterior Ventral lateral Ventral posterior Medial geniculate body Lateral geniculate body
What are the two types of ventral posterior nuclei?
Ventral posterior medial
Ventral posterior lateral
What is the function of the ventral nuclear complex?
Relay center for specific sensory and motor information
What is the function of the ventral anterior (VAN)?
Control voluntary skilled movements with BG (aff.) and area 4/6 (eff.)
What is the function of the ventral lateral (VLN)?
Motor relay nucleus
Regulates volitional movements
(Eff.) to area 4
(Aff.) from cerebellum and GP
What is the function of the ventral posterior (VPN)?
General and discriminative sensory
What is the importance of the ventral posterior lateral?
Part of the VPN
Relays sensory info from body to 2/3 of the 3-1-2
Deals with discriminative (fine) touch
What is the importance of the ventral posterior medial (VPM)?
Part of the VPN
relays sensory info from the head and face to the lower 1/3 of the 3-1-2
Deals with discriminative touch
Also taste
What is the function of the lateral geniculate body?
Relay center for vision
What is the function of the medial geniculate body?
Relay center for audition
Does epithalamus serve autonomic functions?
Yes
Endocrine
Emotional
What is importance about the subthalamic nucleus?
Part of BG
BIdirectional communication to GB
What is the function of the hypothalamus?
Important role in releasing hormones
Regulates body temperature/sexual behavior/ emotional states
Regulates homeostasis
