The Brain Lessons . Discussion Area . If needed, download and install Real Player and QuickTime for audio or video selections. The thalamus is often referred to as the gateway to the brain. It is a structure deep within the brain that acts as a relay station for incoming stimuli from our senses.
Sensory stimuli pass through the thalamus and are relayed to the cortex for conscious processing.
The cortex sends the signals back to the thalamus for further processing. Only the sense of smell goes directly to the cortex without passing through the thalamus. The shape of the brain is important to its function. Because the thalamus is located roughly in the center of the brain, it serves as the hub, sending signals to every part of the cortex at the same time. The thalamus is responsible for letting our brain know what's happening outside our body.