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12e
Functions of Thalamus - Coggle Diagram
12e
Functions of Thalamus
- Almost all the sensory impulses (except olfactory) reach the thalamic nuclei, which relay them to the cerebral cortex by a series of projection fibres collectively termed the thalamic radiations (ascending thalamocortical system).
- Because of this, the thalamus is usually considered the head ganglion of all the sensory system.
- Centre for integration of
sensory impulses.
- The thalamus is not only a great relay station for all sensations, but also forms a major centre for integration and modification of peripheral
sensory impulses before the impulses are projected to specific areas of cerebral cortex.
- This function of thalamus is called processing of sensory information.
- Because of this, the thalamus is usually considered as a functional gateway of cerebral cortex.
- Crude centre for
perception of sensations.
- In addition to processing and relaying of sensations, the thalamus also
acts as a crude centre for sense perception.
- Pain sensation is perceived in
the thalamus itself.
- Usually, the sensations have two qualities:
- The discriminative nature
- is the ability to recognize type, location and
other details of the sensation.
- It is the function of the cerebral cortex.
- is the capacity to determine whether a sensation
is pleasant or unpleasant and agreeable or disagreeable.
- It is the function of thalamus.
- Centre for integration
of motor function.
- Thalamus receives the output from the basal ganglia and the cerebellum before projecting it to the motor cortex, thereby helping in integration of motor functions by unconscious regulation of muscle tone.
- Role in arousal and
alertness reaction.
- Majority of nonspecific ascending impulses from RAS are relayed to thalamus before proceeding to cortex.
- Through these fibres, the thalamus is involved in controlling the level of consciousness and maintaining a state of alertness and wakefulness.
- Role in emotional
aspect of behaviour.
- Because of intimate connections between the thalamus and frontal cortex and hypothalamus, the thalamus is involved in subjective feeling of various emotions.
- Thus, it acts as a part of limbic system.
- It also forms a part of the Papez circuit and is concerned with recent memory and emotions.
- Thalamus is also concerned with language (speech) function.
- Integration between different cortical parts by subcortical connections in the thalamus helps to achieve speech.
- Role in synchronization of electroencephalogram.
- Thalamus also plays an important role in the genesis of synchronization of electroencephalogram (EEG).
- Centre for integration of visceral
and somatic function.
- Thalamus receives somatic as well as autonomic sensations, and is also connected with hypothalamus.
- Because of this, it also acts as a centre
for integration of visceral and somatic functions.
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