VP is the posterior most nucleus of the ventral tier of thalamic relay nuclei. VP is reciprocally connected with primary somatosensory cortex (Brodmann’s area 3, located in the post-central gyrus). Its lateral division, the Ventral Posterolateral nucleus (VPL) receives somatosensory sensations of the body, both from the anterolateral system and the medial lemniscal/posterior column system. Its medial division, the Ventral Posteromedial nucleus(VPM) receives somatosensory sensations from the face via the ascending tracts from the trigeminal sensory nuclei (spinal and chief sensory divisions via the trigeminothalamic tracts). VPM also receives taste information from the solitary nucleus of the medulla.
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