Thalamus & Hypothalamus
- Thalamus: relay center for sensory and motor information.
- LGN: vision.
- MGN: audition.
- VPL/VPM: somatosensation.
- VA/VL: motor control.
- Pulvinar: visual attention.
- Mediodorsal nucleus: cognition and emotion.
- Intralaminar nuclei: arousal.
- Hypothalamus: regulates homeostasis — sleep/wake, temperature, feeding, sex drive, stress response.
- Synthesizes hormones (oxytocin, vasopressin) → released by posterior pituitary.
- Controls anterior pituitary via releasing hormones.
- Connects nervous system to endocrine system.