METATHALAMUS Meaning and
Definition
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The metathalamus is a component of the diencephalon, which is a division of the brain located in the forebrain. Specifically, it refers to a pair of small nuclei situated just below the thalamus in the midbrain. The term "meta-" indicates that the metathalamus lies behind or next to the thalamus.
Comprising two main structures known as the medial and lateral geniculate bodies, the metathalamus plays a crucial role in sensory processing and relay of information to various regions of the brain. The medial geniculate body is primarily involved in auditory processing, receiving input from the ear via the auditory pathway and directing it to the auditory cortex for further analysis. On the other hand, the lateral geniculate body is primarily responsible for visual processing, receiving visual information from the optic tract and transmitting it to the visual cortex.
The metathalamus serves as an intermediate station, relaying sensory information from the peripheral sensory organs to the respective cortices for perception and interpretation. Additionally, it is involved in regulating attention, alertness, and the modulation of sensory responses. Through its intricate connections with other brain regions, the metathalamus contributes to the integrated functioning of the sensory systems, allowing for the seamless perception and processing of auditory and visual stimuli.
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The portion of the thalamencephalon which includes the two geniculate bodies.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for METATHALAMUS
- netathalamus
- ketathalamus
- jetathalamus
- mwtathalamus
- mstathalamus
- mdtathalamus
- mrtathalamus
- m4tathalamus
- m3tathalamus
- merathalamus
- mefathalamus
- megathalamus
- meyathalamus
- me6athalamus
- me5athalamus
- metzthalamus
- metsthalamus
- metwthalamus
- metqthalamus
- metarhalamus
Etymology of METATHALAMUS
The word "Metathalamus" is derived from two Greek roots: "meta" meaning "beyond" or "after", and "thalamus" which refers to a part of the brain.
The term "thalamus" comes from the Greek word "thalamos", meaning "inner chamber" or "bedroom". In Greek and Roman architecture, the "thalamos" referred to the room where the bride would sleep on her wedding night. In the context of the brain, the thalamus serves as a sort of relay station, processing and transmitting sensory information to different regions of the brain.
So, when combined with "meta", meaning "beyond" or "after", "Metathalamus" could be understood to mean "beyond the thalamus" or "after the thalamus".
