Final answer:
The main job of the thalamus is to receive sensory information and relay it to the appropriate area. It acts as a gateway to and from the cortex and is involved in regulating consciousness, sleep, and alertness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main job of the thalamus is to receive sensory information and relay it to the appropriate area. It acts as a gateway to and from the cortex, filtering sensory information traveling to the cerebrum and relaying sensory signals to the cerebral cortex and motor signals to the spinal cord. The thalamus is also involved in the regulation of consciousness, sleep, and alertness.