The Cognitive Thalamus

The Cognitive Thalamus PDF Author: Yuri B. Saalmann
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889195414
Category : Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Languages : en
Pages : 127

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Book Description
Cognitive processing is commonly conceptualized as being restricted to the cerebral cortex. Accordingly, electrophysiology, neuroimaging and lesion studies involving human and animal subjects have almost exclusively focused on defining roles for cerebral cortical areas in cognition. Roles for the thalamus in cognition have been largely ignored despite the fact that the extensive connectivity between the thalamus and cerebral cortex gives rise to a closely coupled thalamo-cortical system. However, in recent years, growing interest in the thalamus as much more than a passive sensory structure, as well as methodological advances such as high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging of the thalamus and improved electrode targeting to subregions of thalamic nuclei using electrical stimulation and diffusion tensor imaging, have fostered research into thalamic contributions to cognition. Evidence suggests that behavioral context modulates processing in primary sensory, or first-order, thalamic nuclei (for example, the lateral geniculate and ventral posterior nuclei), allowing attentional filtering of incoming sensory information at an early stage of brain processing. Behavioral context appears to more strongly influence higher-order thalamic nuclei (for example, the pulvinar and mediodorsal nucleus), which receive major input from the cortex rather than the sensory periphery. Such higher-order thalamic nuclei have been shown to regulate information transmission in frontal and higher-order sensory cortex according to cognitive demands. This Research Topic aims to bring together neuroscientists who study different parts of the thalamus, particularly thalamic nuclei other than the primary sensory relays, and highlight the thalamic contributions to attention, memory, reward processing, decision-making, and language. By doing so, an emphasis is also placed on neural mechanisms common to many, if not all, of these cognitive operations, such as thalamo-cortical interactions and modulatory influences from sources in the brainstem and basal ganglia. The overall view that emerges is that the thalamus is a vital node in brain networks supporting cognition.

The Cognitive Thalamus

The Cognitive Thalamus PDF Author: Yuri B. Saalmann
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889195414
Category : Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Languages : en
Pages : 127

Get Book Here

Book Description
Cognitive processing is commonly conceptualized as being restricted to the cerebral cortex. Accordingly, electrophysiology, neuroimaging and lesion studies involving human and animal subjects have almost exclusively focused on defining roles for cerebral cortical areas in cognition. Roles for the thalamus in cognition have been largely ignored despite the fact that the extensive connectivity between the thalamus and cerebral cortex gives rise to a closely coupled thalamo-cortical system. However, in recent years, growing interest in the thalamus as much more than a passive sensory structure, as well as methodological advances such as high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging of the thalamus and improved electrode targeting to subregions of thalamic nuclei using electrical stimulation and diffusion tensor imaging, have fostered research into thalamic contributions to cognition. Evidence suggests that behavioral context modulates processing in primary sensory, or first-order, thalamic nuclei (for example, the lateral geniculate and ventral posterior nuclei), allowing attentional filtering of incoming sensory information at an early stage of brain processing. Behavioral context appears to more strongly influence higher-order thalamic nuclei (for example, the pulvinar and mediodorsal nucleus), which receive major input from the cortex rather than the sensory periphery. Such higher-order thalamic nuclei have been shown to regulate information transmission in frontal and higher-order sensory cortex according to cognitive demands. This Research Topic aims to bring together neuroscientists who study different parts of the thalamus, particularly thalamic nuclei other than the primary sensory relays, and highlight the thalamic contributions to attention, memory, reward processing, decision-making, and language. By doing so, an emphasis is also placed on neural mechanisms common to many, if not all, of these cognitive operations, such as thalamo-cortical interactions and modulatory influences from sources in the brainstem and basal ganglia. The overall view that emerges is that the thalamus is a vital node in brain networks supporting cognition.

Discovering the Brain

Discovering the Brain PDF Author: National Academy of Sciences
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309045290
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 195

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Book Description
The brain ... There is no other part of the human anatomy that is so intriguing. How does it develop and function and why does it sometimes, tragically, degenerate? The answers are complex. In Discovering the Brain, science writer Sandra Ackerman cuts through the complexity to bring this vital topic to the public. The 1990s were declared the "Decade of the Brain" by former President Bush, and the neuroscience community responded with a host of new investigations and conferences. Discovering the Brain is based on the Institute of Medicine conference, Decade of the Brain: Frontiers in Neuroscience and Brain Research. Discovering the Brain is a "field guide" to the brainâ€"an easy-to-read discussion of the brain's physical structure and where functions such as language and music appreciation lie. Ackerman examines: How electrical and chemical signals are conveyed in the brain. The mechanisms by which we see, hear, think, and pay attentionâ€"and how a "gut feeling" actually originates in the brain. Learning and memory retention, including parallels to computer memory and what they might tell us about our own mental capacity. Development of the brain throughout the life span, with a look at the aging brain. Ackerman provides an enlightening chapter on the connection between the brain's physical condition and various mental disorders and notes what progress can realistically be made toward the prevention and treatment of stroke and other ailments. Finally, she explores the potential for major advances during the "Decade of the Brain," with a look at medical imaging techniquesâ€"what various technologies can and cannot tell usâ€"and how the public and private sectors can contribute to continued advances in neuroscience. This highly readable volume will provide the public and policymakersâ€"and many scientists as wellâ€"with a helpful guide to understanding the many discoveries that are sure to be announced throughout the "Decade of the Brain."

Beyond Evolutionary Psychology

Beyond Evolutionary Psychology PDF Author: George Ellis
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1107053684
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 231

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Book Description
This book presents a compelling unifying theory of which aspects of the brain are innate and which are not.

The Thalamus

The Thalamus PDF Author: Michael M. Halassa
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1108632742
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 1325

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Book Description
The thalamus is a key structure in the mammalian brain, providing a hub for communication within and across distributed forebrain networks. Research in this area has undergone a revolution in the last decade, with findings that suggest an expanded role for the thalamus in sensory processing, motor control, arousal regulation, and cognition. Moving beyond previous studies of anatomy and cell neurochemistry, scientists have expanded into investigations of cognitive function, and harness new methods and theories of neural computation. This book provides a survey of topics at the cutting edge of this field, covering basic anatomy, evolution, development, physiology and computation. It is also the first book to combine these disciplines in one place, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of thalamus research, and will be an essential resource for students and experts in biology, medicine and computer science.

The Prefrontal Cortex

The Prefrontal Cortex PDF Author: Joaquin M. Fuster
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
ISBN:
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 364

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Book Description


Exploring the Thalamus

Exploring the Thalamus PDF Author: S. Murray Sherman
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080531482
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 331

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Book Description
The thalamus is a group of cells placed centrally in the brain that serve a critical role in controlling how both sensory and motor signals are passed from one part of the cerebral cortex to another. Essentially, all information reaching the cerebral cortex and thus consciousness is relayed through the thalamus. The role of the thalamus in controlling the flow of information (such as visual, auditory, and motor) to the cortex has only recently begun to be understood. This book provides an in-depth look at the function of the thalamus and its role as relayer of information to the cerebral cortex. The authors explore how the thalamus controls messages that are passed to the cortex and they introduce the novel suggestion that the thalamus serves a critical role in controlling how messages pass from one part of the cortex to another. Exploring the Thalamus is a comprehensive, up-to-date reference for researchers. It discusses problems concerning the function and structure of the thalamus and concludes each chapter with thought-provoking questions regarding future research. Focuses on thalamocortical interrelationships Discusses important problems concerning the function and structure of the thalamus Concludes each chapter with thought-provoking questions requiring future research

Exploring Thalamocortical Interactions

Exploring Thalamocortical Interactions PDF Author: S. Murray Sherman
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 019750387X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 241

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Book Description
CELL TYPES IN THE THALAMUS AND CORTEX -- INTRINSIC MEMBRANE PROPERTIES -- SYNAPTIC PROPERTIES -- GLUTAMATERGIC DRIVERS AND MODULATORS -- FIRST AND HIGHER ORDER THALAMIC RELAYS -- THALAMIC CIRCUITRY -- BRIEF OVERVIEW OF CORTICAL ORGANIZATION -- CLASSIFICATION OF THALAMOCORTICAL AND CORTICOTHALAMIC MOTIFS -- SPIKE TIMING AND THALAMOCORTICAL INTERACTIONS -- PARALLEL PROCESSING OF SENSORY SIGNALS TO CORTEX -- THALAMOCORTICAL SUBSTRATES OF ATTENTION -- CORTICOTHALAMIC CIRCUITS LINKING SENSATION AND ACTION.

Thalamus And Its Cortex

Thalamus And Its Cortex PDF Author: Edison K. Miyawaki M.D.
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1664154388
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 113

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Book Description
Imagine a seminar in which four smart people address the significance of a deep and central brain structure, the thalamus, in its relationship to the overlying cerebral cortex. Among the four, we hear from an economist, a mathematician, and two scientists. For medical or neuroscience students, or for trainees in neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry, Edison K. Miyawaki describes relevant thalamocortical anatomy in humans and other vertebrates. He summarizes known thalamocortical connections in their rich complexity. Thalamus and its Cortex is an experiment in teaching replete with old (but still good) and contemporary insights about the relationship between cortex and subcortex.

The Brain and Behavior

The Brain and Behavior PDF Author: David L. Clark
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 9780521840507
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 290

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Book Description
New edition building on the success of previous one. Retains core aim of providing an accessible introduction to behavioral neuroanatomy.

The Cognitive Neurosciences

The Cognitive Neurosciences PDF Author: Michael S. Gazzaniga
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 026201341X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 1377

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Book Description
"The fourth edition of The Cognitive Neurosciences continues to chart new directions in the study of the biologic underpinnings of complex cognition - the relationship between the structural and physiological mechanisms of the nervous system and the psychological reality of the mind. The material in this edition is entirely new, with all chapters written specifically for it." --Book Jacket.