One of the main functions of the thalamus is concerned with all types of sensation.

The thalamic nuclei concerned with touch connect with the cortical areas concerned with touch, and contain modality specific pathways.  

Similarly the lateral geniculate nucleus is concerned with vision and connects with the visual cortex. The structure is easily found as the optic tract passes from the optic chiasma to the lateral geniculate on the surface of the back ot the thalamus.

Reflex eye movements involving the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (LGN).

In the diagram opposite, you can see a connection between the LGN and the superior colliculi on the dorsal surface of the midbrain. This pathway is involved in moving the eyes towards rapidly moving objects in the periphery of the visual field.

As a result, when an object moves rapidly towards the individual, it is sensed by receptors in the periphery of the retina, and the eyes move automatically in the direction of that object.

The visual pathway starts within the eye and information is carried by axons in the optic nerve through the Optic Chiasma and along the Optic Tract towards lateral geniculate nucleus at the back ot the thalamus.

These structures can be seen on the surface of the ventral side of the brain.

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