Nucleus · one in each half of the brain
Mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus
Also called MD, Dorsomedial nucleus
The prefrontal cortex's close partner, linking thinking and planning with feelings.
The mediodorsal nucleus is a large nucleus in the middle of the thalamus. It is tightly linked with the prefrontal cortex, the brain's planning and decision area, in a constant two-way conversation. Rather than relaying a sense, it works much like the prefrontal cortex itself, linking what you sense and feel with thinking and planning.
Where it is
In the middle of the thalamus, near the third ventricle, taking up a large central chunk.
What it does
Partner of the prefrontal cortex
It talks back and forth with the prefrontal cortex, supporting planning, judgment and self-control.
Learning and alertness
It passes signals from emotion and movement circuits up to the cortex, which helps with learning and staying alert.
Feelings into decisions
It receives signals from emotion and reward areas like the amygdala and passes them to the frontal lobe.
Think of it as the trusted assistant of a CEO, keeping key notes at hand and passing along the mood of the room.
Works with
- Prefrontal cortexIts main partner, in a tight two-way loop for thinking and planning.
- Dorsolateral prefrontal cortexA planning area of the frontal lobe that it trades signals with.
- Orbitofrontal cortexThe decision area it feeds with information about rewards.
- AmygdalaSends it emotional signals to pass on to the frontal lobe.
- Rostral anterior cingulate cortexLinks with it for handling emotions and conflict.
When it goes wrong
Korsakoff syndrome
Damage to the thalamus, along with the mammillary bodies, contributes to the severe memory loss of Korsakoff syndrome, caused by a lack of vitamin B1.
Stroke in the middle of the thalamus
A stroke hitting the middle of the thalamus on both sides can cause sudden deep sleepiness, even coma, and memory loss.
For learning only, not medical advice. If you have a health concern, talk to a doctor.
Surprising facts
- Some people have a single small artery, the artery of Percheron, feeding the middle of both thalami. If it is blocked, both sides can be hurt at once.
- Smell skips the thalamus on its way in, but some smell information later loops through here on its way to the frontal lobe.
Where the name comes from
"Medio" means "middle" and "dorsal" comes from Latin "dorsum", meaning "back", here meaning toward the top of the thalamus.
Learn it in a lesson
- The thalamusThe brain's relay station. A short guided lesson in 3D.
Quick quiz
3 questions. Your answers are saved and come back in your daily review.
Which of these is a job of the mediodorsal nucleus?
Show the answer
Partner of the prefrontal cortex. It talks back and forth with the prefrontal cortex, supporting planning, judgment and self-control.
Partner of the prefrontal cortex. It talks back and forth with the prefrontal cortex, supporting planning, judgment and self-control.
The mediodorsal nucleus is part of which larger structure?
Show the answer
Thalamus. It belongs to the thalamus.
Thalamus. It belongs to the thalamus.
Which part fits this description? "Like the trusted assistant of a CEO, keeping key notes at hand and passing along the mood of the room."
Show the answer
Mediodorsal nucleus. It is the mediodorsal nucleus. The prefrontal cortex's close partner, linking thinking and planning with feelings.
Mediodorsal nucleus. It is the mediodorsal nucleus. The prefrontal cortex's close partner, linking thinking and planning with feelings.
These parts now come back in your daily review, just before you would forget them.
Practice it and its neighbors in 3DSources
- Thalamic nuclei: Connections, functions and anatomy, Kenhub
- Artery of Percheron, Radiopaedia
- 14.2 Central Processing, OpenStax, Anatomy and Physiology 2e
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Explore the mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus in 3D
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