The mediodorsal nucleus is the large main nucleus of the medial thalamus. It is reciprocally connected with the prefrontal cortex and receives inputs from the amygdala, olfactory areas and basal ganglia. It supports working memory, decision making, emotion and executive function.
| Location | Medial thalamus, between the internal medullary lamina and the third ventricle |
|---|---|
| Parts |
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| Connections |
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| Blood Supply | Paramedian thalamic (thalamoperforating) arteries from the posterior cerebral artery |
Links the limbic system and prefrontal cortex, supporting working memory, planning, attention, motivation and emotional behaviour.
Paramedian thalamic strokes that involve the mediodorsal nucleus cause apathy, disinhibition, poor memory and reduced alertness, sometimes called thalamic dementia. Degeneration of the mediodorsal nucleus contributes to the memory loss of Korsakoff syndrome. Abnormal mediodorsal-prefrontal connectivity is a consistent finding in schizophrenia research.
Stroke of the medial thalamus causing drowsiness, apathy, memory impairment and vertical gaze problems.
A chronic memory disorder from thiamine deficiency, often in alcohol use disorder, linked to damage of the mediodorsal nucleus and mammillary bodies.
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