Intralaminar thalamic nuclei

Structure The ITN are generally divided in two groups as follows:) • paracentral nucleus • posterior (caudal) intralaminar group • centromedian nucleus • parafascicular nucleus Some sources also include a "central dorsal" nucleus. Afferents Midline intralaminar nuclei receive afferents from the brain stem, spinal cord, and cerebellum. Connections with the cerebral cortex and basal nuclei are reciprocal. Afferents from the spinothalamic tract as well as periaqueductal gray are part of a pathway involved in pain processing. Efferents The intralaminar nuclei project efferents to the hypothalamus, amygdala, and limbic lobe. == Function ==

The ITN are thought to be involved in mediating arousal, affective, autonomic responses to pain. == Clinical significance ==

Degeneration of this area may occur in progressive supranuclear palsy and Parkinson's disease. == Research ==

This area is also prominently affected in traumatic brain injuries. One postmortem study of patients with closed head injuries showed correlation of the involvement of these nuclei with the various degrees of disability. ==See also==