You are talking to a friend while waiting for a bus, and while you converse you are also aware of passing vehicles so you are sure not to miss your bus. Which structure is responsible for filtering out distracting stimuli while you talk to your friend and wait for the bus?
A) Superior colliculus
B) Lateral geniculate nucleus
C) Pulvinar
D) Intraparietal sulcus

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pulvinar is known to play a role in selecting and filtering sensory information for attention and awareness. In this situation, it would filter out distracting stimuli like passing cars while allowing the conversation with the friend to continue. The superior colliculus is involved in visually guided movements, the lateral geniculate nucleus is involved in processing visual information from the retina, and the intraparietal sulcus is involved in tasks that require spatial attention and hand-eye coordination.

You Are Talking to a Friend While Waiting for a Bus