Search
-
- Glossary
Medial nuclei
The medial thalamic nuclei, especially the mediodorsal nucleus, are located in the medial thalamus and are closely connected to the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system. They are primarily responsible for higher cognitive functions such as planning, attention, and working memory, but are also involved in processing emotions and motivation. In addition, they integrate complex information from different areas of the brain.
-
- Glossary
Hypercomplex cell
A nerve cell in the primary visual cortex that responds most strongly to short, moving lines or corners in its receptive field. It exhibits end-stopping, meaning that the response strength decreases when the stimulus becomes longer than optimal. Hypercomplex cells are sensitive to the orientation and direction of movement of the stimulus and contribute to the perception of edges, corners, and curves.
-
- Glossary
Posterior ventral nucleus
A nucleus of the dorsal thalamus that serves as the main somatosensory thalamic nucleus. The VPL receives somatosensory afferents from the body via the spinal cord (pressure, touch, vibration, proprioception, pain, temperature), while the VPM receives afferents from the head region via the trigeminal nerve. It transmits this information to the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and thus plays a central role in the awareness of somatosensory stimuli, including pain.
-
- News
- Question to the brain
Why do we get Headaches?
The brain has no pain receptors. So why do we still get headaches?
14.10.2025
-
- Basics
- Communication of Cells
Cells: Specialized Workers of the Brain
Several billion tiny cells are located in the brain. There they perform amazing work.
01.07.2025
-
- Basics
- The Developing Brain
The invisible Bond
Emotional bond – the essential connection between children and parents.
18.03.2026
-
- Basics
- Anatomy
The Septum
The core areas of the septum are located at the interface between the hypothalamus and hippocampus.
09.10.2025
-
- Basics
- Anatomy
The Flocculonodular Lobe
The oldest part of the cerebellum is primarily concerned with balance.
05.08.2025
-
- Discover
- Milestones
Alcmaeon: Pioneer of experimental Brain Research
The ancient philosopher Alcmaeon of Croton founded scientific brain research.
28.01.2014
-
- News from the Institutes
Keeper or corner? How the brain enables flexible decisions
Neuroscientists show how the brain enables flexible decisions
03.02.2025
