The basal ganglia: a vertebrate solution to the selection problem?
A selection problem arises whenever two or more competing systems seek simultaneous access to a restricted resource. Consideration of several selection architectures suggests there are significant advantages for systems which incorporate a central switching mechanism. We propose that the vertebrate basal ganglia have evolved as a centralized selection device, specialized to resolve conflicts over access to limited motor and cognitive resources. Analysis of basal ganglia functional architecture and its position within a wider anatomical framework suggests it can satisfy many of the requirements expected of an efficient selection mechanism.
Redgrave
P
P
Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, UK.
Prescott
T J
TJ
Gurney
K
K
D000818:Animals; D001479:Basal Ganglia / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D005075:Biological Evolution; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D014714:Vertebrates