Thalamus

A large, egg-shaped mass of gray matter located deep in the forebrain, serving as the primary relay station for all sensory information (except smell) to the cerebral cortex, and playing roles in motor control, sleep, and consciousness.

Key Functions:

• Relays all sensory information (except smell) to the cerebral cortex.
• Integrates motor information from the basal ganglia and cerebellum to the motor cortex.
• Involved in regulating sleep, wakefulness, and consciousness.
• Numerous nuclei with specialized functions (LGN, MGN, VPN, pulvinar, medial dorsal).

Interacting Systems & Components:

• Diencephalon (major component of)
• Cerebral Cortex (receives and sends projections to)
• Basal Ganglia (receives output from)
• Cerebellum (receives output from)
• Reticular Activating System (interacts with)
• Sensory Pathways (relay for)