Thalamus facts for kids
The thalamus is a midline symmetrical structure in the brains of vertebrates. It is between the cerebral cortex and midbrain.
It relays sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex, and regulates consciousness, sleep, and alertness.
The thalamus sits above the hypothalamus, and below the cerebral cortex. It is a collection of nuclei with various functions. It acts as a relay station, gathering sense information of all kinds (except olfactory) and passes it on to the cerebral cortex.
There are action systems for several types of behaviour, including eating, drinking, and defecation. These behaviours satisfy short-term needs, and are called 'consummatory' behaviours.
Images for kids
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The thalamus in a 360° rotation
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Nuclei of the thalamus
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The left optic nerve and the optic tracts.
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Coronal section of lateral and 3rd ventricles.
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Dissection showing the ventricles of the brain.
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Section of brain showing upper surface of temporal lobe.
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Horizontal section of right cerebral hemisphere.
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Mesal aspect of a brain sectioned in the median sagittal plane.
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Schematic representation of the chief ganglionic categories (I to V).
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Scheme showing the course of the fibers of the lemniscus; medial lemniscus in blue, lateral in red.
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Deep dissection of brain-stem. Lateral view.
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Deep dissection of brain-stem. Ventral view.
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Coronal section of brain immediately in front of pons.
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Coronal section of brain through intermediate mass of third ventricle.
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Human brain frontal (coronal) section
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Ventricles of brain and basal ganglia. Superior view. Horizontal section. Deep dissection
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Ventricles of brain and basal ganglia. Superior view. Horizontal section. Deep dissection
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See also
In Spanish: Tálamo (sistema nervioso) para niños
