Neural Interconnectedness Between Thalamus, Cerebral Cortex and Cerebellum and its Pathophysiological Implications
Journal Title: Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research (BJSTR) - Year 2018, Vol 8, Issue 5
Abstract
Advances in neurosciences, imaging techniques, magnetoencephalography and mathematical modelling enlightening us how our multi- billion neurons located in different parts of our brain integrate and interact synchronously in a concerted manner to enable us to exist not only biologically but in a conscious state of Mind process. Thalamocortical rhythm, resonance and cognitive, emotional and motor binding may give us the cue. This not only provide a basis for further understanding and research in neurocognitive science but may also provide new therapeutic insights into the management of previously difficult to treat neurological and psychiatric disorders. The cerebral cortex, thalamus and the primitive involuntary motor region like the olive and the cerebellum, albeit distantly located in the brain of Homo-sapiens has multiple, parallel excitatory and inhibitory interconnective neuronal synapses enabling an efficient integrated binding of motor, perceptual, cognitive and emotional function fundamental for our survival in a conscious state [1]. The thalamus of our brain plays a pivotal role in this cognitive- motor-emotional binding neural circuitry. The thalamus is a complex anatomical structure found in all vertebrates in the animal world; with crucial physiological conscious and unconscious body activity. It is the center of control of much vital functions of our body like sleep, sensory information collection, dissemination, regulating autonomic nervous system and emotions. Acts as a conductor, it orchestrates signals in and out the cerebral cortex which reacts, plans and learns according through its various domains. Anatomically, the thalamus is well posited in the middle part of the mid brain as a paired structure at the dorsal end of the brain stem (Figure 1a) near the basal ganglion, hypothalamus, amygdala, nucleus accumbens and insula. Approximately with a size of a walnut; 3 to 4cm in diameter; the thalamus consists of 30 to 40 nuclei. There are three basic types of thalamic nuclei; Relay, the Association and Nonspecific. The Relay nuclei receive specific definitive electrical signals and project this to the corresponding functional domains of distinct area in the cerebral cortex. The ventral posterolateral nuclei (VPL), ventral posteromedial nuclei (VPM), medial geniculate (MG) and lateral geniculate (LG) nuclei are thalamic nuclei which relay primary sensations to the cortex. The ventral lateral (VL) nuclei involved in feedback signal to the cerebellum while the ventral anterior nucleus (VAN) feedback basal ganglion output. Thus, a synaptic connective wiring networks are in place between the motor regions; cerebellum, basal ganglion and the conscious executor in the brain; the cerebral cortex. The Association nuclei receive signals input from the cerebral cortex which can be inhibitory and project back to the latter in cortex association areas so as to regulate activity. The last type called the nonspecific nuclei locates in the midline and intralaminar thalamus project widely throughout the cortex and may give a us the sense of alertness (Figure 1b) https://antranik.org/the-diencephalon/. Finally, there is the reticular nucleus which modulate neuronal signals going through the thalamus. The reticular nucleus encapsulated most of the thalamus and receives input from the cerebral cortex and dorsal thalamic nuclei. Primary thalamic reticular nucleus efferent fibers project to dorsal thalamic nuclei only but does not project to the cerebral cortex. The thalamic reticular nucleus receives neuronal projections from the external segment of the Globus Pallidus. The Globus Pallidus is a component of basal ganglion of the brain which involved in the regulation of voluntary movement. Through disinhibition, neuronal signals were sent to the thalamus resulting in initiation of movement [2]. Thus, each nucleus of the thalamus is capable at rest in dispatching electrical signals and communications to specific anatomical domains to the corresponding cerebral cortex and areas of motor function. Through its association neurons, the signals are feedback to the thalamus and wired to the other structures like the amygdala and insula which in turn flow back to the cortex resulting in various perceptual sensations. Memory may be resulted if the wiring and signals involved the hippocampus. A feed forward and backward anatomical neuronal pathway is in place to enhance a secure balanced harmonious survival of the living creature during a hostile changing environment.
Authors and Affiliations
Chan Kam Tim Michael
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP588501
- DOI 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.08.001725
- Views 144
- Downloads 0
The Value of the Endorphin in the First Inhalation the Fruit
The author assumes that normal healthy fetus that resides in the uterine cavity and surrounded by the waters of the okoloplodnymi, not breathing because his breathing Center depressed endogenous morfinopodobnymi substanc...
Synthesis and Characterization of High Dielectric Constant Material CaCu3Ti4O12
Today a lot of advancement is taking place in electronics industry. This advancement is concomitant with the creation of new materials with high permittivity (called high-k dielectric materials). A higher k die...
Breeding Soundness Evaluation in Bulls: A Review
Breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) of bull is an easy, cheap, and an essential tool for the cow-calf operation. BSE reduces risk, improves, strategic bull usage, fertility of herd and economics. A field practitioner can...
Platelet Adhesion Comparison of Silk Fibroin Dissolved by Different Solvents
Silk fiber is a natural protein with high purity, and can be easily processed into films, mesh and porous materials, which possesses good cytocompatibility and biodegradability, especially excellent water absorption and...
Breakthrough Treatment for Mantle Cell Lymphoma
MCL has a dismal prognosis (“the worst lymphoma to have”), with a median OS rate of 3 years only. Prognosis of limited stage disease is almost similar to that of stage lll MCL No curative therapy has been established so...