One of the lateral group of thalamic nuclei. Characteristically traversed by heavily myelinated fiber bundles. Receives fibers from the basal ganglia and is reciprocally connected with the cerebral cortex. Plays a role in motor control. Carries fibers from and to the cerebral cortex.
Lesions result in contralateral motor and sensory deficits.
An efferent cortical bundle sandwiched between the putamen and claustrum. Concerned primarily with autonomic function. The body of the caudate is continuous rostrally with the head of the caudate and caudally with its tail. Plays a role in motor control. Has reciprocal connections with the mamillary body via the mamillothalamic tract and with the cingulate gyrus via the internal capsule.