Thalamus

Question 1

Relay and integration enroute to cortex

Answer 1

Thalamus

Question 2

From what derivative?

Answer 2

Dicephalon

3rd ventricle

Question 3

What seperates thalamus and putamen?

Answer 3

Internal capsule

Question 4

Collection of nuclei (grey matter)

Answer 4

Thalamus

Question 5

Most nuclei project to

Answer 5

Cortex with related function

Question 6

Most nuclei send fibres to

Answer 6

Cerebral cortex

Question 7

Thin sheet of grey matter on lat surface of thalamus sends inhibitory fibres to all nuclei of thalamus (not projecting to cerebral cortex)
role in suppressing sensory input to cortex in sleep.

Answer 7

Reticular nucleus

Question 8

Thin sheets of white matter partly cover dorsal and lat surfaces. Thin sheet of white matter divides thalamus into groups of nuclei
part of the septum of white matter that separates some nuclei

Answer 8

Internal medullary lamina

Question 9

Arousal from sleep,sensation of pain. Extensive connections to cortex

Answer 9

Intralaminar

Question 10

VP: relay for somatosensation
VL & VA: relay in cerebellar and basal ganglia circuits to the motor and premotor cortex
LG: relay for vision
MG: relay for audition

Answer 10

Ventral

Question 11

Pulv, LD & LP: extensive connections to cortex, may be important for interpretation of visual stimuli, among other functions.

Answer 11

Lateral

Question 12

AN: input to cingulate gyrus, part of circuit of Papez, important in memory
MD: input to prefrontal cortex, involved in decisions based on predictions, memory`

Answer 12

Medial

Question 13

Thin layer of white matter on lat surface of thalamus, seperated from int capsule by reticular nucleus

Answer 13

External medullary lamina

Question 14

Emotional/subjective responses and integration with sensory information
connects to prefrontal, hypothalamus,
other thalamic nuclei and receives input from these same regions

Answer 14

Mediodorsal nucleus

Question 15

Memory/instinctive behaviour

connects with limbic system – mainly via cingulate gyrus and hypothalamus and also receives input from these regions

Answer 15

Anterior nucleus

Question 16

Influences level of conciousness and alertness
Connects with several other thalamic nuclei and so projects widely to the cortex (receives input from reticular formation and spinal sensory systems)

Answer 16

Intralaminar nucleus

Question 17

Thought to regulate activity in the thalamus
Only nucleus that does not project to the cortex. Receives diffuse cortical inputs and input from reticular formation and projects to other thalamic nuclei.

Answer 17

Reticular nucleus

Question 18

Main characteristics

Answer 18

It consists of many discrete nuclei
It receives input from a wide variety of sources, but especially from afferent sensory pathways and from the cortex (the latter connections are generally reciprocal).
With minor exception, the output of the thalamus is to the cortex
There is significant crosstalk between thalamic nuclei