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- Glossary
Dorsal thalamus
The thalamus is the largest structure in the diencephalon and is located above the hypothalamus. The thalamus is considered the "gateway to consciousness" because its nuclei are the transit station for all information to the cortex (cerebral cortex) – except for olfactory information, which first reaches the olfactory areas of the brain directly. At the same time, they also receive massive cortical inputs so it might be better to regard this a thalami-cortical system. The nuclei of the thalamus are grouped together. The term "gateway to consciousness" also refers to attention control, sleep-wake regulation, and consciousness modulation by the intralaminar nuclei.
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- Glossary
Tuber cinereum
The tuber cinereum is a hill-shaped area in the hypothalamus from which the infundibulum, the pituitary stalk, originates. The tuber nuclei are located in the tuber cinereum, including the nucleus tuberomammillaris, which is the only region in the brain that uses histamine as a neurotransmitter.
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- Glossary
Ventromedial prefrontal cortex
Anatomically, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex belongs to the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex. In some patients with decision-making problems, neuroscientists find lesions in this region of the brain. The ventromedial prefrontal cortex also becomes active when we try to suppress negative emotions such as feelings of guilt. It receives signals from many other areas of the brain and innervates the amygdala, hypothalamus, and several areas of the cortex.
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- Topic
Metabolism out of Order
We live too well. Our bodies aren't designed for that.
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- Basics
- Anatomy
The Fornix
A vault with a supporting function: the fornix is a powerful fiber tract in the limbic system.
14.04.2025
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- Think
- Emotions
Conscious Emotions
We only consciously feel fear, disgust, love, and hate when the cerebral cortex is engaged.
11.08.2025
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- Basics
- Anatomy
The Paleocortex
In the beginning was smell: the oldest part of the cerebrum deals with sniffing.
01.10.2025
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- Basics
- Anatomy
The Hippocampus
The hippocampus is crucial for the formation of new memory content.
23.08.2011
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- Basics
- Anatomy
The Ventricular System
What's hiding in our brains? An alien wearing a helmet! Or a human with ram's horns?
20.09.2025
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- News
- Question to the brain
Why is it soothing to pet Animals?
Many people find petting an animal soothing. Is there a neurobiological explanation for this?
08.12.2024
