Subcortical loops through the basal ganglia.
Parallel, largely segregated, closed-loop projections are an important component of cortical-basal ganglia-cortical connectional architecture. Here, we present the hypothesis that such loops involving the neocortex are neither novel nor the first evolutionary example of closed-loop architecture involving the basal ganglia. Specifically, we propose that a phylogenetically older, closed-loop series of subcortical connections exists between the basal ganglia and brainstem sensorimotor structures, a good example of which is the midbrain superior colliculus. Insofar as this organization represents a general feature of brain architecture, cortical and subcortical inputs to the basal ganglia might act independently, co-operatively or competitively to influence the mechanisms of action selection.
Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem NC 27157-1010, USA.
John G
JG
McHaffie
Terrence R
TR
Stanford
Barry E
BE
Stein
Véronique
V
Coizet
Peter
P
Redgrave
D000818:Animals; D001479:Basal Ganglia / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000378:metabolism; D001931:Brain Mapping; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000378:metabolism; D002772:Cholera Toxin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000378:metabolism; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism; D013378:Substantia Nigra / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism
D002772:Cholera Toxin