Which part of the thalamus processes auditory information?

The medial geniculate nucleus (MGN) of the thalamus is the specific region that processes auditory information. It serves as a relay station for sound signals, transmitting auditory information from the inner ear and auditory pathways to the primary auditory cortex in the temporal lobe of the brain. This processing is essential for sound perception, including aspects such as pitch and timing.

In contrast, the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) is primarily involved in visual processing, receiving input from the retina and sending visual information to the primary visual cortex. The ventral posterolateral nucleus (VPL) specializes in processing somatosensory information from the body, while the anteroventral nucleus is associated with aspects of the limbic system, particularly in relation to olfactory processing. Each of these nuclei has distinct roles that do not overlap with the functions of the medial geniculate nucleus in auditory processing.