Thalamus may guide timing of brain development and plasticity

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/more-than-a-simple-relay-station-thalamus-may-guide-timing-of-brain-development-and-plasticity/ar-AA1KfkSf?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=HCTS&cvid=9c3891007f444aea94c6a49cfb2b23b0&ei=11

Yet more support for the central role of the thalamus in cognitive outcomes. From the article:

"Our data indicate that the thalamus likely plays a more active role in determining when cortical regions are plastic, and therefore when they exhibit both adaptability and vulnerability to our environments."

Interestingly, Sydnor and her colleagues observed that the maturation of structural connections between the human thalamus and cortex followed a sensorimotor-to-association sequence. This suggests that the development of cortical regions in children and adolescents is aligned with changes in the strength of connections with the thalamus. Thus, the thalamus might serve as a "timekeeper" of cortical maturation.

"This is important given that the pace of cortical maturation is linked to cognitive and psychological outcomes,"

The article suggests that the thalamus is indeed "more than a simple relay station." Again, more evidence that cortical development, thereby, cortical function is secondary to thalamic connections and function.