Table of Contents
Which senses are first routed through the thalamus?
All of our senses, with the exception of smell, are routed through the thalamus before being directed to other areas of the brain for processing (Figure 1). Figure 1. The thalamus serves as the relay center of the brain where most senses are routed for processing.
What functions does the thalamus have?
The thalamus is a mostly gray matter structure of the diencephalon that has many essential roles in human physiology. The thalamus is composed of different nuclei that each serve a unique role, ranging from relaying sensory and motor signals, as well as regulation of consciousness and alertness.
Which special senses is relayed directly to the cerebral cortex without going to the thalamus?
Olfactory stimulation is the only sensory information that directly reaches the cerebral cortex, whereas other sensations are relayed through the thalamus.
Which of the following is not routed through the thalamus?
Olfaction. The olfactory cortex is located in the uncus, found along the ventral surface of the temporal lobe. Olfaction is the only sensory system that is not routed through the thalamus.
What information does the thalamus process?
The thalamus (from the Greek thalamos or inner chamber) transmits 98 percent of sensory information to the cortex, including vision, taste, touch and balance; the only sense that doesn’t pass through this brain region is smell.
How can you damage your olfactory nerve?
The olfactory nerve can be damaged through trauma eg TBI; Blunt trauma to the head can lead to laceration of the olfactory nerve as it crosses the ethmoid bone; Infections can also cause damage to the olfactory nerve.
What happens if you damage your thalamus?
The thalamus receives sensory information from all of the sensory systems (except smell) and passes it on to the relevant primary cortical area. Additionally, it helps regulate levels of alertness and consciousness. Damage to the thalamus can result in a permanent coma (Lumen 2017).
Can you live without a thalamus?
“The ultimate reality is that without thalamus, the cortex is useless, it’s not receiving any information in the first place,” said Theyel, a postdoctoral researcher. “And if this other information-bearing pathway is really critical, it’s involved in higher-order cortical functioning as well.”
What happens if you remove the thalamus?
While thalamus damage primarily causes sensory problems, it can also lead to behavioral and cognitive changes. For example, many patients with a thalamus injury have incorrect speech patterns and can struggle to find the right words. Others display apathy and memory problems.