title: The thalamic dynamic core theory of conscious experience.
abstract: I propose that primary conscious awareness arises from synchronized activity in dendrites of neurons in dorsal thalamic nuclei, mediated particularly by inhibitory interactions with thalamic reticular neurons. In support, I offer four evidential pillars: (1) consciousness is restricted to the results of cortical computations; (2) thalamus is the common locus of action of brain injury in vegetative state and of general anesthetics; (3) the anatomy and physiology of the thalamus imply a central role in consciousness; (4) neural synchronization is a neural correlate of consciousness.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4. lward@psych.ubc.ca
authors.forename: Lawrence M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Ward
mesh_terms: D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000502:physiology; D003243:Consciousness / Q000502:physiology*; D003344:Cortical Synchronization / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D018458:Persistent Vegetative State / Q000503:physiopathology; D013788:Thalamus / Q000502:physiology*