EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -The thalamus is a paired gray matter structure of the diencephalon located near the center of the brain. It is above the midbrain or mesencephalon, allowing for nerve fiber connections to the cerebral cortex in all directions-each thalamus connects to the other via the interthalamic adhesion.

Detailed explanation-2: -In the visual system, the thalamus receives input from the retina, which is relayed to the brain via the optic nerve. Signals are sent to the lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus which then forwards them onto the primary visual cortex (area V1) in the occipital lobe.

Detailed explanation-3: -Your thalamus is your body’s information relay station. All information from your body’s senses (except smell) must be processed through your thalamus before being sent to your brain’s cerebral cortex for interpretation. Your thalamus also plays a role in sleep, wakefulness, consciousness, learning and memory.

Detailed explanation-4: -Pons. The pons relays messages from the cerebrum to the cerebellum and spinal cord, and helps control movement of the face.

Detailed explanation-5: -Answer and Explanation: In somatic sensory pathways, the third-order neuron carries information from the thalamus to the cerebral cortex.