Final answer:
The thalamus is a major sensory relay station in the brain that allows for the relay of sensory information from the PNS. It filters sensory information before sending it to other areas of the brain for further processing and is involved in regulating consciousness, sleep, and alertness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is C. Thalamus. The thalamus is a major sensory relay station in the brain that allows the brain and spinal cord to relay sensory information from the peripheral nervous system (PNS). It filters sensory information before sending it to other areas of the brain for further processing. The thalamus also plays a role in regulating consciousness, sleep, and alertness.