Figure 6.20: Two routes from the eyes to the amygdala Most visual input goes from relay nuclei in the thalamus to the visual area of the cerebral cortex, and from there to other areas of the brain, including the amygdala. However, some visual input goes directly from the thalamus to the amygdala, bypassing the cerebral cortex. The direct input from the thalamus to the amygdala may be responsible for fast, unconscious emotional responses to visual stimuli.