Definition

Specific somatosensory relay nucleus of the thalamus. The major input into this nucleus is via the medial lemniscus and spinal thalamic tracts, which carry information regarding proprioception, both fine and crude touch, vibratory sensations, pain, and temperature from the arms, legs, trunk, and scalp. In turn, the major cortical projection area for this nucleus is to the primary somatosensory cortex (Brodmann’s areas 3, 1, 2).