Thalamic nuclei (English)

This illustration shows the thalamus with its nuclei highlighted in different colors for easier interpretation. The thalamus is mostly comprised of gray matter that is separated into three main groups of nuclei by thin bands of white matter called the internal medullary lamina. The three main groups include the anterior group (highlighted in purple), lateral group (highlighted in pink) and medial group (highlighted in orange) of nuclei. Functionally, all these groups of nuclei can be categorized into a single group of nuclei called the relay nuclei. Relay nuclei modulate and relay sensory input to a specific location in the cerebral cortex. Apart from the relay nuclei, the two additional groups of nuclei are the intralaminar nuclei of thalamus (highlighted in gray) and midline thalamic nuclei. Finally, the thalamus has a reticular nucleus (highlighted in blue). The reticular nucleus envelops each lateral thalamus and serves to regulate the activity of the thalamus.