Input from mechanoreceptors travels to
A) the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN)of the thalamus.
B) the medial geniculate nucleus (MGN)of the thalamus.
C) the ventral posterior nucleus (VPN)of the thalamus.
D) somatosensory cortex directly,without forming connections in the thalamus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Input from mechanoreceptors, which are responsible for touch and pressure sensations, travel to the ventral posterior nucleus (VPN) of the thalamus. This is the principal relay nucleus for somatic sensation and sends information to the somatosensory cortex for further processing. Options A and B are incorrect as they refer to the geniculate nuclei, which are responsible for relaying auditory and visual information, respectively. Option D is incorrect as somatosensory information always passes through the thalamus before reaching the cortex.

Input from Mechanoreceptors Travels to