Exploring Thalamocortical Interactions

Abstract

Abstract The thalamus and cerebral cortex are active and necessary partners in the processing of signals essential for sensory, motor, and cognitive functions. This partnership is absolute, as neither the thalamus nor the cortex can be understood in any meaningful way in isolation from the other. This book provides readers with fundamental knowledge about the cells and circuits that mediate thalamocortical interactions and then explores new ideas that often challenge conventional understanding. Some of the major themes emphasized throughout the book include the need for a proper classification of thalamocortical and corticothalamic circuits, the role of spike timing for thalamocortical and corticothalamic communication and the mechanisms for modulating spike timing, the organization and function of corticothalamic feedback projections, the role of higher order thalamic nuclei in cortico-cortical communication and cortical functioning, attentional modulation of thalamocortical interactions, and a rethinking of efference copies and distinguishing neural signals as sensory versus motor. Importantly, to encourage readers to think beyond the material and views provided throughout the book, each chapter closes with a section on “Some Outstanding Questions” to stimulate creative approaches to increase our understanding of thalamocortical interactions.

Topics & Concepts