Thalamus and Hypothalamus Flashcards
Where is the thalamus found within the brain?
It is right in the middle the brain just under the posterior half of the corpus callosum
What separates the two halves of the thalamus?
3rd ventricle
Diencephalon consists of
Thalamus, subthalamic nucleus–parkinsons- deep brain stimulation, hypothalamus
Thalamus in relation to the lateral ventricle
ventral and inferior
Thalamus function
key relay centre to cortical sensory areas
-enhances and restricts signals
Only sensory function thalamus isn’t involved in
Olfactory
Describe the somatosensory pathway
touch and proprioception- cell bodies are located in dorsal root ganglia
primary sensory neuron from skin to dorsal column nuclei -gracilis nucleus/ cuneate nucleus
secondary neuron from dorsal column nuclei to thalamus - secondary neuron where crossing over occurs
Thalamus:- posterior lateral nucleus of thalamus –> processes touch and proprioception
tertiary nueorn from thalamus to primary somatosensory cortex
Where is primary sensory cortex located
post central gyrus
- behind central sulcus of parietal lobe
Apart from discrete nuclei you also have
intralaminar nuclei
Intralaminar nuclei project to
various medial temporal lobe structure
medial temporal lobe structures and function of these structures
Amygdala: fear, anxiety, emotions
Hippocampus: memory
Basal ganglia: movement– parkinsons- shaky hands
Neurons in intralaminar nuclei are mostyle
Glutamatergic neurons – excitatory
conditions apart from parkinsons associated with the intralaminar nuclei
PSP– progressive supra nuclear palsy
–> problems with walking and balance
Reticular nucleus found
outer covering of thalamus
Majority of reticular nucleus type
GABAergic–> inhibitory
