The thalamus (from Greek θάλαμος, “chamber”) is a midline symmetrical structure of two halves, within the vertebrate brain, situated between the cerebral cortex and the midbrain.

The thalamus has a unique configuration within the basal ganglia. Its tetrahedric shape has 3 free surfaces and only the ventrolateral border is in contact with vital and critical functional structures, e.g. the subthalamic nucleus and the internal capsule.

Thalamocortical radiations have been referred to as one of the two constituents of the thalamus, the other being micro neurons.

see Anterior thalamic nucleus.

Some of its functions are the relaying of sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex, and the regulation of consciousness, sleep, and alertness. The thalamus surrounds the third ventricle. It is the main product of the embryonic diencephalon.

see Thalamic glioma