The thalamus is actually two kidney-shaped thalami (not to be confused with the longer, tastier “salami”), which sit low in the brain. It’s a region of many functions but primarily acts as a relay station, processing sensory input into a form recognizable by the cerebral cortex. Damage to the thalamus can result in creepy tactile misinformation. And because it’s also involved in sleep and wakefulness, damage can also result in coma.