What is the function of the reticular thalamic nucleus?
Its function is modulatory on signals going through thalamus (and the reticular nucleus). It has been suggested that the reticular nucleus receives afferent input from the reticular formation and in turn projects to the other thalamic nuclei, regulating the flow of information through these to the cortex.
What is the reticular nucleus?
nucleus of the thalamus that forms a sheet-like structure and makes up the outer covering of the thalamus. The reticular nucleus is the only thalamic nucleus that does not project to the cerebral cortex. Instead it primarily modulates the activity of other thalamic nuclei.
Where is the Zona Incerta?
The zona incerta (ZI) is a slip of gray matter lying between thalamic and lenticular fasciculi and is an extension of the reticular nucleus of the thalamus (Fig. 57.8). Four major sectors have been described, each associated with a predominant role.
What do the pons and reticular formation do?
Reticular neurons in the medulla and pons also contribute to orofacial motor responses by coordinating activity in motor nuclei for the trigeminal, facial, and hypoglossal nerves. The reticular formation may be best known for its role in promoting arousal and consciousness.
What is the function of intralaminar nuclei?
The thalamic midline and intralaminar nuclei, long thought to be a non-specific arousing system in the brain, have been shown to be involved in separate and specific brain functions, such as specific cognitive, sensory and motor functions.
Is the thalamic reticular nucleus in the ventral thalamus?
The thalamic reticular nucleus is part of the ventral thalamus that forms a capsule around the thalamus laterally. However, recent evidence from mice and fish question this statement and define it as dorsal thalamic structure.
How is the thalamic reticular nucleus modulated by cocaine?
The thalamic reticular nucleus is a relatively narrow sheet of cells wrapped around the rostral, lateral, and dorsal aspects of the thalamus. Thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) neurons are extensively modulated by cocaine’s inhibition of catecholamine reuptake at both the somatic and synaptic levels.
How are the thalamic nuclei connected to the pars caudalis?
Ipsilateral internal globus pallidus projects onto the pars oralis via the thalamic fasciculus. Contralateral deep cerebellar nuclei project onto the pars caudalis. Additional projections to both pars oralis and pars caudalis stem from the spinothalamic tract, vestibular nuclei, and precentral motor cortex.
Where is the lateral geniculate nucleus located in the thalamus?
The lateral geniculate nucleus is located within the lateral geniculate body, an ovoid projection of the posterior aspect of the thalamus. The lateral geniculate nucleus represents the thalamic relay station of the visual pathway . The nucleus consists of six to eight laminae, which are separated by interlaminar zones.