Answer
The thalamus is part of the diencephalon which is derived from the forebrain. There are two thalami , one in each side of the brain; each is located superior to the brainstem, and beneath a cerebral hemisphere.. The thalami are relatively large, forming the greater part of the mass of the diencephalon. They protrude into the lateral ventricles, and project into the third ventricle (medially) . Each thalamus includes five groups of nuclei ( gray matter)--anterior, posterior, medial, lateral and ventral nuclei.
Work Step by Step
The major function of the thalamus is that of a relay station; it relays sensory signals to the cerebrum. Almost all sensory inputs to the cerebrum-- taste, smell, vision, hearing, as well as pain pressure and temperature-- pass through the thalamus on the way to the cerebrum
The thalamus also transmits motor signals from the cerebellum to the cerebrum. In addition, it provides feedback loops between the cerebral cortex, and the basal nuclei. Memory formation and the processing of emotions by the limbic system also involve the thalamus
