Thalamus Overview

Diencephalon

The lower part of the brain comprising the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithalamus.

Thalamus

The part of the diencephalon that serves as a filter for sensory information.

Hypothalamus

A region of the diencephalon that regulates various bodily functions, including temperature and hunger.

Epithalamus

The part of the diencephalon that includes the pineal gland and regulates sleep.

Sensory Filtering

The process by which the thalamus filters out irrelevant sensory information before it reaches the brain.

1% Rule

The concept that only 1% of incoming information is deemed necessary to notice or focus on.

ADHD days

Days characterized by a lack of focus, similar to having difficulty filtering sensory input.

Crude identification

Basic recognition of information, such as the thalamus identifying zip codes without specifics.

Memories in the Thalamus

Memories can be filtered by the thalamus, becoming relevant or unfiltered at times.

Learning and Memory

Processes that require information to be filtered through the thalamus to become part of memory.

Motor Activities

Actions that require coordination and input from the thalamus for activities such as playing sports.

Emotional Input

Information related to emotional states that is processed by the thalamus.

Basal Nuclei

Clusters of neurons involved in movement and processing information to the thalamus.