Final answer:
The cough center is located in the brainstem, particularly in the medulla oblongata, not in the thalamus. The thalamus is a key hub for processing and relaying sensory and motor signals in the brain and plays a role in regulating consciousness and sleep.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cough center is not located in the thalamus; instead, it is found in the lower brainstem, particularly in the medulla oblongata. The thalamus, indeed a crucial part of the inner brain, plays a significant role as a major hub for nerve impulses between the cerebrum and spinal cord. It is intimately involved in filtering and relaying sensory information to the cortex and also in processing motor signals.
Additionally, the thalamus is critical in the regulation of consciousness, sleep, and alertness, demonstrating its prominence in overall cerebral function. Although it is involved in many essential processes, the specificity of the cough reflex is managed by the medulla, which is part of the brainstem, that includes several respiratory centers. These centers in the medulla and pons control involuntary respiratory functions such as breathing rate and rhythm.