What is the difference between thalamus and hypothalamus?

Answer 1

The hypothalamus is in control of homeostasis and the process of negative feedback (for example: blood solute level and body temperature). This is in contrast to the thalamus which is a sort of relay organ of the brain designed to transmit the sensory electrical pulse onto the more specialised organ (e.g. retina (eye) --> optic nerve --> thalamus --> primary visual cortex --> visual association cortex). It is slightly large and positioned above of the hypothalamus.

Answer 2

The thalamus is located above the hypothalamus and is involved in relaying sensory and motor information. The hypothalamus has many functions which include but are not limited to: motor control, autonomic control, endocrine control, and circadian rhythm.

Answer 3

The thalamus is a large portion of the midbrain that relays signals between different areas of the brain. For example, it relays information from the neocortex to the lower brain structures (such as the limbic system, which processes emotion).

The hypothalamus is a smaller structure lying beneath the thalamus which regulates temperature, thirst, hunger, and many other autonomic and metabolic processes. It is also responsible for regulating sleep and wake cycles.

Answer 4

Thalamus