Pixelated Brain: Module 14, Section 4 - The four levels of the dorsal thalamus

MODULE 14 - SECTION 4 - THE FOUR REGIONS of the DORSAL THALAMUS

The

THE FOUR REGIONS
of the
DORSAL THALAMUS

PLANES and DIRECTIONS
in the
DIENCEPHALON

THE THREE THALAMIC NUCLEI
in
REGION 1

This slide passes through the middle of region 1. The fact that only two large nuclei are present (and that medialis dorsalis is obviously lacking) tells us that we are still anterior to region 2. That, in turn, tells us that the more lateral nucleus is ventralis anterior, rather than ventralis lateralis.

THE FOUR THALAMIC NUCLEI
in
REGION 2

This slide has the "classic" appearance of region 2. Only within this region is medialis dorsalis prominent and the centromedian nucleus lacking. The mammilothalamic tract is seen here, close to its origin in the mammillary body. The fasciculus thalamicus, the terminal segment of the pathway passing from the globus pallidus to ventralis anterior, also is present in this slide.

THE SEVEN THALAMIC NUCLEI
in
REGION 3

This slide has the classic appearance of level 3. Arrows show how the fibers leave this part of the thalamus and pass "upward" within the superior thalamic radiation to reach the cortex of the parietal lobe. In doing so, they will run through the posterior limb of the internal capsule.

THE FOUR THALAMIC NUCLEI
in
REGION 4

This

THALAMIC NUCLEI in REGION 1

This slide passes through the tip of the anterior pole of the thalamus. Only the anterior nucleus is present, and it is seen only on the right side of the section.