Palaeothalamus Definition

The palaeothalamus, also known as the ‘reptilian thalamus,’ is a subregion of the thalamus that is commonly preserved in fossilized reptilian brains. It is considered to be a more ancient region of the thalamus, playing a similar role in processing sensory information and coordinating responses, but with adaptations suitable for the distinct neurological encapsulation of reptiles. The term 'reptilian' refers to the set of brain structures that are common to reptiles and mammals, but which are more extensively developed in mammals.