The passage discusses the surgical removal of the submaxillary gland and the challenges associated with it. The author describes three cases where the submaxillary gland was removed, but the results were not satisfactory, with one patient dying from a recurrence of the disease and the other two experiencing cosmetic issues. The author also mentions that in some cases, the disease spread beyond the tongue, requiring the removal of both sides of the neck. The author concludes that while the surgery can be effective, it is not without risks and should be performed only when necessary. Additionally, the passage touches on the evolution of the thalamus, the central nervous system, and its role in sensory and motor functions. The thalamus is described as a region that evolved to integrate sensory information and coordinate motor responses, with distinct stages of development. The author also discusses the structure and function of various thalamic nuclei and their connections to other parts of the brain.The passage discusses the surgical removal of the submaxillary gland and the challenges associated with it. The author describes three cases where the submaxillary gland was removed, but the results were not satisfactory, with one patient dying from a recurrence of the disease and the other two experiencing cosmetic issues. The author also mentions that in some cases, the disease spread beyond the tongue, requiring the removal of both sides of the neck. The author concludes that while the surgery can be effective, it is not without risks and should be performed only when necessary. Additionally, the passage touches on the evolution of the thalamus, the central nervous system, and its role in sensory and motor functions. The thalamus is described as a region that evolved to integrate sensory information and coordinate motor responses, with distinct stages of development. The author also discusses the structure and function of various thalamic nuclei and their connections to other parts of the brain.