Alternative Content 14.1: Subcortical Sites Implicated in Visual Attention

The _______ is a complex cluster of nuclei that act as way stations to the cerebral cortex. Almost all sensory information enters this structure, where neurons send that information to the overlying cortex. For example, axons are sent back and forth between the lateral geniculate nucleus and the visual cortex via the optic radiations.

The _______ is a gray matter structure of the dorsal midbrain that receives visual information, and is involved in direction of visual gaze and visual attention to intended stimuli

Making up about the posterior quarter of the thalamus in humans, the _______ is heavily involved in visual processing, is organized retinotopically, and shares extensive connections with the superior colliculus, parietal cortex, and cingulate.