[Neurofunctional aspects of the thalamus]

To carry out a revision of the principal neurofunctional aspects of the thalamus.

Following the anatomical location of this cerebral structure in the diencephalon, we'll analyze the macroscopic characteristics of the thalamus establishing its anatomical limits. We'll study the main thalamic nuclei, taking into account different criteria: evolution, anatomical and functional, cytoarchitectonic, and connective fibers as well as the principal projections which reach and leave the thalamus, allowing an adequate information processing. The last part of this paper is dedicated to study of the aspects related with the participation of the thalamus in the basic psychofunctional processes and superior processes.

The thalamus, in addition to its implication along with the cerebral cortex in the analysis and integration of sensitive and motor functions, is implied in superior functions like the attention, language, memory and executive function. The pulvinar nucleus, the lateral nuclear group and the anterior nuclear group take part in the language, fundamentally. In the mnesic processes, the scientific studies show that the midline nuclei, mediodorsal thalamic nuclei and intralaminar nuclei of the thalamus are implied in this superior function. Lesions of the thalamus can cause alterations in the executive functions, attention, initiative and temporal organization of the conduct. The mediodorsal nuclei, the intralaminar nuclei and the midline nuclei has been shown to have a critical role in executive function.