ALPHABETICAL BRAIN® VOCABULARY THALAMUS ON TOP OF BRAINSTEM September 4, 2022 THALAMUS = This complex physical structure is at the top of your brainstem. It connects the signals from your body to the rest of your brain and is, therefore, known as the "gateway" to your brain. Although your thalamus has not been described as being part of the structure of your brainstem historically, you should remember where it is because it is so important as a router of signals to many other parts of your brain. It connects the sensory signals from your body to the various crucial parts of your brain for decision-making purposes. This pivotal function of your thalamus facilitates risk analysis since its direct connections to the most vital organs of your brain makes possible quick responses to environmental threats to safety or the potential of pleasure at any moment. instantly return to: BASIC BRAIN KNOWLEDGE produced by Infinite Interactive Ideas®