thalamus
/ˈθaləməs
/noun (plural thalami /ˈθaləmʌɪ/ /ˈθaləmiː/) Anatomy
Either of two masses of grey matter lying between the cerebral hemispheres on either side of the third ventricle, relaying sensory information and acting as a centre for pain perception.Peripheral injury results in anatomic and physiologic changes within the dorsal horn, sensory thalamus and cerebral cortex....
- The sleep cycle is controlled by a complex system of neurones (messenger cells) in the brain stem, thalamus, hypothalamus, and basal forebrain.
- By contrast, reduced activation in the mesencephalic brainstem and the thalamus was noted to be exclusively associated with mental relaxation.
Derivatives
thalamic
- An extensive accumulation of axons connecting various thalamic nuclei to practically all cortical areas is seen in fan-like array and this, in three dimensions, reflects the profusion of the thalamic radiations.
- Computed tomography of the brain demonstrated an area of low attenuation in the left thalamic region.
- During sustained hypoxia, increased thalamic gating may decrease respiratory sensory projections to higher centers.
Origin
Late 17th century (denoting the part of the brain at which a nerve originates): via Latin from Greek thalamos.