Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews,
Journal Year:
2020,
Volume and Issue:
120, P. 222 - 235
Published: Nov. 24, 2020
The
ability
to
adapt
dynamic
environments
requires
tracking
multiple
signals
with
variable
sensory
salience
and
fluctuating
behavioral
relevance.
This
complex
process
integrative
crosstalk
between
cognitive
brain
circuits.
Functional
interactions
cortical
thalamic
regions
are
now
considered
essential
for
both
perception
cognition
but
a
clear
account
of
the
functional
link
circuits
is
currently
lacking.
review
aims
document
how
nuclei
may
effectively
act
as
bridge
allowing
fuse
perceptual
events
into
meaningful
experiences.
After
highlighting
key
aspects
thalamocortical
such
classic
first-order/higher-order
dichotomy,
we
consider
role
reticular
nucleus
from
directed
attention
cognition.
We
next
summarize
research
relying
on
Pavlovian
learning
paradigms,
showing
that
first-order
higher-order
contribute
associative
learning.
Finally,
propose
modulator
inputs
reaching
all
be
critical
purposes
when
environmental
computed.
Altogether,
thalamus
appears
linking
perception,
possibly
affect.
Science,
Journal Year:
2020,
Volume and Issue:
367(6473)
Published: Jan. 3, 2020
In
1904,
Richard
Semon
introduced
the
term
"engram"
to
describe
neural
substrate
for
storing
memories.
An
experience,
proposed,
activates
a
subset
of
cells
that
undergo
off-line,
persistent
chemical
and/or
physical
changes
become
an
engram.
Subsequent
reactivation
this
engram
induces
memory
retrieval.
Although
Semon's
contributions
were
largely
ignored
in
his
lifetime,
new
technologies
allow
researchers
image
and
manipulate
brain
at
level
individual
neurons
has
reinvigorated
research.
We
review
recent
progress
studying
engrams,
including
evaluation
evidence
existence
importance
intrinsic
excitability
synaptic
plasticity
lifetime
Together,
these
findings
are
beginning
define
as
basic
unit
memory.
Journal of Neuroscience,
Journal Year:
2018,
Volume and Issue:
39(1), P. 3 - 14
Published: Nov. 2, 2018
Historically,
the
thalamus
has
been
viewed
as
little
more
than
a
relay,
simply
transferring
information
to
key
players
of
cast,
cortex
and
hippocampus,
without
providing
any
unique
functional
contribution.
In
recent
years,
evidence
from
multiple
laboratories
researching
different
thalamic
nuclei
contradicted
this
idea
passive
structure.
Dated
models
functions
are
being
pushed
aside,
revealing
greater
far
complex
contribution
for
cognition.
Viewpoints
article,
we
show
how
data
support
novel
views
that
emphasize
integrative
roles
in
cognition,
ranging
learning
memory
flexible
adaption.
We
propose
these
apparently
separate
cognitive
may
indeed
be
supported
by
general
role
shaping
mental
representations.
Several
features
thalamocortical
circuits
consistent
with
suggested
role,
highlight
divergent
convergent
corticothalamic
pathways
complement
each
other
functions.
Furthermore,
subcortical
integration
is
highlighted
mechanism
maintaining
updating
Finally,
discuss
future
areas
research
stress
importance
incorporating
new
experimental
findings
into
existing
knowledge
continue
developing
models.
The
presence
pathology
number
neurological
conditions
reinforces
need
better
understand
region
