Although each subdivision of primary somatosensory cortex (SI) receives dense input from the thalamus, but the exact location and type of information that the fibers convey have not been identified yet. In the present study, the exact source of thalamocortical fibers to areas 2 and 3b was investigated using tract-tracing techniques. Following injection of tracer into area 3b, labeled neurons were only found in the VPL. However, labeled neurons were found in VPL and PoM as well as in LP following tracer injection into area 2. Also less densely labeled neurons were found in CLN, VA, and VL. There were no significant differences in the size of area l-labeled neurons following injection of tracer into areas 3b and/or 2 of VPL. These results indicate that area 2 is involved in the processing of tactile information related to sensorimotor coordination and planning as well as in pain perception.