Question

All processing at the circuit level going up to the perceptual level must synapse in the ________?

1) pons
2) thalamus
3) reticular formation
4) medulla

Answer 1

The thalamus is a sensory relay station where all sensory information, except for smell, goes before being sent to other areas of the brain for further processing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is 2) thalamus.

The thalamus is a sensory relay station where all sensory information, except for smell, goes before being sent to other areas of the brain for further processing. It is a collection of nuclei that relay information between the cerebral cortex and the periphery, spinal cord, or brain stem. Axons from the peripheral sensory organs or intermediate nuclei synapse in the thalamus, and thalamic neurons project directly to the cerebrum.

For example, when sensory signals exit the thalamus, they are conducted to the specific area of the cortex dedicated to processing that particular sense. The thalamus not only passes the information on but also processes it, influencing what stimuli are important or receive attention.