Definition: The thalamus is an area of the brain where pain and other sensory information is interpreted and recognized. The thalamus also processes arousal, attention, consciousness, emotion and motor control. It is made of gray matter, and sends information to and from the cerebral cortex (where conscious thoughts are produced).
Thalamus
By Anne Asher, About.com
Updated January 17, 2006
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
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