Reference: The Switchboard
1. Thalamic Nuclei (Inputs & Outputs)
| Nucleus | Input | Output (Cortex) | Function/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VPL | Spinothalamic, DCML | Somatosensory | Body Sensation. |
| VPM | Trigeminal, Gustatory | Somatosensory | Face Sensation & Taste. |
| LGN | CN II (Optic) | Calcarine Sulcus | Vision ("Lateral = Light"). |
| MGN | Inferior Colliculus | Auditory Cortex | Hearing ("Medial = Music"). |
| VL | Basal Ganglia, Cerebellum | Motor Cortex | Motor Coordination. |
| VA | Basal Ganglia | Prefrontal/Premotor | Motor Planning. |
| Anterior | Mammillary Body | Cingulate Gyrus | Papez Circuit (Limbic). |
| Mediodorsal (MD) | Amygdala, Olfactory | Prefrontal Cortex | Memory/Behavior (Wernicke-Korsakoff). |
2. Hypothalamic Nuclei (Function & Lesions)
| Nucleus | Function | Lesion/Clinical |
|---|---|---|
| Lateral | Hunger (Ghrelin stimulated). | Anorexia (Failure to thrive). "Lateral makes you Lean". |
| Ventromedial | Satiety (Leptin stimulated). | Hyperphagia (Obesity). "VM makes you Very Massive". |
| Anterior | Cooling (Parasympathetic). | Hyperthermia. "A/C = Anterior Cooling". |
| Posterior | Heating (Sympathetic). | Hypothermia (Poikilothermy). |
| Suprachiasmatic | Circadian Rhythm. | Insomnia/Sleep issues. |
| Supraoptic/PVN | ADH & Oxytocin synthesis. | Diabetes Insipidus (if ADH lost). |
| Arcuate | Dopamine (inhibits Prolactin). | Galactorrhea, Amenorrhea. |
| Mammillary | Memory (Papez). | Wernicke-Korsakoff (Confabulation). |