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DictionarythalamusBrain relay structure
noun

thalamus

THAL-uh-mus/ˈθæləməs/

A brain structure that relays sensory and motor signals.

The thalamus relays sensory signals to other parts of the brain.

A clean brain cutaway based on the approved anatomical reference highlights the thalamus centrally above the brainstem; fine arrows connect an eye and ear cue through it toward cortex, showing signal relay without implying every sensory pathway.
Etymology
thalamusGreekinner chamber, bedroom

The “inner chamber” word became an anatomical name for a forebrain structure, originally described as a place where a nerve appeared to originate.

In context

Dr. Rege1:42
even at this stage the lack of sleep starts to interfere with the thalamus the relay station for sensory information
What Sleep Deprivation Does to Your Brain—Hour by Hour

More examples

  • Damage to the thalamus can affect sensation and movement.
  • An MRI scan shows a small lesion in her thalamus.
  • The two thalami sit deep inside the brain.

Forms

thalamus · thalami

thalamic adjective — Relating to the thalamus in the brain.