 |
| Research article summary (published 30 Jul 2002): |
The thalamic reticular nucleus: more than a sensory nucleus?
Full Abstract
Sensory information is routed to the cortex via the thalamus, but despite this sensory bombardment, animals must attend selectively to stimuli that signal danger or opportunity. Sensory input must be filtered, allowing only behaviorally relevant information to capture limited attentional resources. Located between the thalamus and cortex is a thin lamina of neurons called the thalamic reticular nucleus (Rt). The thalamic reticular nucleus projects exclusively to thalamus, thus forming an essential component of the circuitry mediating sensory transmission. This article presents evidence supporting a role for Rt beyond the mere relay of sensory information. Rather than operating as a component of the sensory relay, the authors suggest that Rt represents an inhibitory interface or "attentional gate," which regulates the flow of information between the thalamus and cortex. Recent findings have also implicated Rt in higher cognitive functions, including learning, memory, and spatial cognition. Drawing from recent insights into the dynamic nature of the thalamic relay in awake, behaving animals, the authors present a speculative account of how Rt might regulate thalamocortical transmission and ultimately the contents of consciousness.
Learn Faster Today Improve your study skills
Author information
Author/s: McAlonan, Kerry (K); Brown, Verity J (VJ);
Affiliation: School of Psychology, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom.
Journal and publication information
Publication Type: Journal Article; Review
Journal: The Neuroscientist : a review journal bringing neurobiology, neurology and psychiatry (Neuroscientist), published in United States. (Language: eng)
Reference: 2002-Aug; vol 8 (issue 4) : pp 302-5
Dates: Created 2002/08/26; Completed 2003/01/15; Revised 2005/11/16;
PMID: 12194498, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)
Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.
External Links for this article (including full text providers, if available):
Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.
This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.
MeSH headings (categories)
This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.
|
|
Related articles
This article has not been indexed for related articles as yet, however you can still use the live related article search links below.
See a large map of 100+ related articles.