the thalamus/diencephalon

Question 1

what is the most rostal subdivision of the brain

Answer 1

diencephalon

Question 2

what are the 4 subdivisions of the diencephalon

Answer 2

• epithalamus
• thalamus
• subthalamus
• hypothalamus

Question 3

the thalamus functions as:

Answer 3

projection station for sensory pathways and cerebellar projections destined for the cerebral cortex

Question 4

thalamic connectivity and function is complex, it is involved with:

Answer 4

modulation/integration of sensory information

Question 5

parts of the thalamus play a dominant role in:

Answer 5

the maintenance and state of consciousness and alertness

Question 6

thalamus also functions as a ____, controlling information that it projects to the cerebral cortex. it ____ some and ____ other information as part of a ______ ______ system

Answer 6

gate; amplified; suppresses; selective attention

Question 7

thalamus possesses a ____ organization of its nuclei

Answer 7

medio-lateral

Question 8

what nuclei are functionally non-specific projecting diffusely to their terminal targets and involved with the state of consciousness and alterness

Answer 8

midline/medial nuclei

Question 9

what nuclei are more centrally -located and functionally non-specific projecting their axons to other thalamic nuclei. involved with integration/modulation of other thalamic nuclei

Answer 9

intralaminar nuclei

Question 10

what are the two groups that lateral thalamic nuclei are organized into

Answer 10

ventral tier nuclei and dorsal tier nuclei

Question 11

what nuclei are functionally specific projecting their axons to specific areas of the cerebral cortex

Answer 11

lateral thalamic nuclei

Question 12

what are ventral tier nuclei

Answer 12

• thalamic projection nuclei of the classical sensory pathways, which are destined for the primary sensory (receiving) areas of the cerebral cortex
• they are topographically organized and functionally submodality specific

Question 13

what 5 pathways each have their own specific projection nucleus in the ventral tier group

Answer 13

• somatosensory
• visual
• auditory
• vestibular
• gustatory

Question 14

what are dosal tier nuclei

Answer 14

association nuclei which project their axons to association areas located within the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes of the cerebral cortex

Question 15

do dorsal tier nuclei recieve direct projections from the classical sensory or cerebellar pathways?

Answer 15

no

Question 16

are dorsal tier nuclei topographically organized or goverend by a single sensory modality

Answer 16

no and no

Question 17

the association nuclei and association areas are involved with complex functions such as:

Answer 17

• cognition
• planning
• programming of movements
• acquired inhibitions
• appropriate emotional responses