Pulvinar

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on

The pulvinar is a part of the thalamus and occupies the caudal third of the thalamus, consisting of several nuclei[^3].

Anatomy

The pulvinar is divided into several nuclei:

  • Nucleus pulvinaris anterior

  • Nucleus pulvinaris inferior

  • Nucleus pulvinaris lateralis

  • Nucleus pulvinaris medialis

Afferent fibers from the lateral geniculate body as well as medial and optic fiber collaterals enter the pulvinar. There are bidirectional fiber connections between the pulvinar and the cortex of the parietal lobe and the dorsal temporal lobe[^3].

Figure

Pulvinar
Schematic anatomical drawing showing the pulvinar. Illustration adapted from Grays Anatomy Illustration 681.

Function

The exact function of the pulvinar is not known[^3], however, it is assumed that these nuclei play a role in processing visual stimuli[^1] [^2].