The projection of afferent pathways on the thalamus of the rat

Electrophysiological techniques have confirmed that, except for differences in topographical organization, the projection of afferent pathways upon the thalamus of the rat is very similar to that found in higher mammals such as the rabbit, cat and monkey. Recording of evoked potentials has revealed a predominantly contralateral projection upon the ventrobasal complex, with an extensive snout region medially, foreleg representation ventromedially and hindleg and tail in a small lateral strip. There is a large bilateral projection of afferent pathways on the posterior thalamus—an area caudal to and partially co‐extensive with the ventrobasal complex and medial to the medial geniculate body. The only sign of topographical organization in this area is a somewhat lateral representation of hindlegs and tail.