Ventrobasal complex

The ventrobasal complex ("'VB"') is a relay nucleus of the thalamus for nociceptive stimuli received from nociceptive nerves. The VB consists of the Ventral posteromedial nucleus (VPM) and the Ventral posterolateral nucleus (VPL). In some species the ventral posterolateral nucleus, pars caudalis is also a part of the VB. The VB gets inputs from the Spinothalamic tract, Medial lemniscus, and corticothalamic tract. The main output of the VB is the primary somatosensory cortex.