What does the thalamus function do? It is an egg-shaped structure that is in the middle of the brain. It handles all important sensory and motor functions such as hearing, taste, sight, touch, smell, etc. And this happens from your body to the brain.
What does the thalamus function do? iStock-photo credit: blueringmedia
It also handles motor movement information, and it plays a role in your consciousness in terms of being alert and awake. It plays a role in cognitive thinking as well as the storage of all your past memories. The thalamus plays a vital role in your sleep and wake cycle.
How the Thalamus works? Sensory impulses travel through the nerve fibers from your body through brain structures to your thalamus.
Thalamus lies in the middle of your brain and a great analogy is that it is kind of like a central hub or computer on a bike wheel. It is the central relay system that receives incoming sensory and motor information.
If you experience brain damage and part of the damage is in the thalamus then some of the symptoms of this are the following:
- Amnesia and memory loss
- Trouble with focusing and loss of full alertness
- Having trouble processing information
- Sleepiness
- Sleep disorders such as insomnia.
- Coma or unconsciousness
- Vision problems like light sensitivity issues.
- Speech disorders- Having problems speaking in complete sentences.
The Bottom Line is the thalamus function is the main relay station that handles motor and sensory information such as taste, smell, touch, feel, sight, etc. It plays a role in cognitive thinking and movement function.
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References
- Guy-Evans O. Thalamus anatomy, function, & disorders. (https://www.simplypsychology.org/thalamus.html) Simply Psychology. 2021, June 09. Accessed 3/30/2022.
- Sheridan N, Tadi P. Neuroanatomy, Thalamic Nuclei. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549908/) [Updated 2021 Jul 31]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Accessed 3/30/2022.
- Brain anatomy and functions. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/rare-brain-spine-tumor/tumors/anatomy/brain-anatomy-functions. Accessed Jan. 10, 2024.
- Overview of peripheral nervous system disorders. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/peripheral-nervous-system-and-motor-unit-disorders/overview-of-peripheral-nervous-system-disorders. Accessed Jan. 10, 2024.
- Ciurleo R, et al. Parosmia and neurological disorders: A neglected association. Frontiers in Neurology. 2020; doi:10.3389/fneur.2020.543275.
