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Multiple Choice
Which of the following senses is not first routed through the thalamus?
A
Vision
B
Smell
C
Taste
D
Hearing
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the thalamus: The thalamus is a part of the brain that acts as a relay station for sensory information, directing it to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex for processing.
Identify the senses typically routed through the thalamus: Vision, taste, and hearing are all senses that are first processed by the thalamus before being sent to their respective cortical areas.
Consider the sense of smell: Unlike other senses, olfactory information (related to smell) bypasses the thalamus and is directly transmitted to the olfactory cortex.
Recognize the unique pathway of olfactory information: The olfactory receptors in the nose send signals directly to the olfactory bulb, which then communicates with the olfactory cortex, allowing for the perception of smell.
Conclude which sense is not routed through the thalamus: Based on the unique pathway of olfactory information, smell is the sense that does not first pass through the thalamus.