Question

Ladoux proposes that sensory input arrives in the _____ of the brain, which splits the signal, sending part of the message to the cortex and part of the message to the amygdala.
a. hypothalamus
b. frontal lobe
c. cerebellum
d. thalamus

Answer 1

The right option is d. thalamus
"Ladoux proposes that sensory input arrives in the thalamus of the brain, which splits the signal, sending part of the message to the cortex and part of the message to the amygdala. The thalamus is the large mass of gray matter situated above the brain stem between the cerebral cortex and the midbrain. The main function of the thalamus is to relay motor and sensory signals to the cerebral cortex and amygdala. The thalamus also regulates alertness, consciousness and sleep. 

Answer 2

The right answer is D) thalamus

One of the roles of the thalamus is creating "emotions" as a surprise or a fear.

The emotion circuit can be divided into a short pathway (Sensory Processing → thalamus → Amygdala → Response) and a long way (Sensory Processing → Thalamus → Cerebral Cortex → Hippocampus / Amygdala → Response). The analysis of the stimulus by the cortex will maintain or slow down the action of the amygdala on the brain structures responsible for the physiological expression of the emotion (like fear). The information is sent to the hypothalamus (an endocrine system).