title: Thalamic mechanisms in language: a reconsideration based on recent findings and concepts.
abstract: Recent literature on thalamic aphasia and thalamic activity during neuroimaging is selectively reviewed followed by a consideration of recent anatomic and physiological findings regarding thalamic structure and functions. It is concluded that four related corticothalamic and/or thalamocortical mechanisms impact language processing: (1) selective engagement of task-relevant cortical areas in a heightened state of responsiveness in part through the nucleus reticularis (NR), (2) passing information from one cortical area to another through corticothalamo-cortical mechanisms, (3) sharpening the focus on task-relevant information through corticothalamo-cortical feedback mechanisms, and (4) selection of one language unit over another in the expression of a concept, accomplished in concert with basal ganglia loops. The relationship and interaction of these mechanisms is discussed and integrated with thalamic aphasia and neuroimaging data into a theory of thalamic functions in language.
authors: VA RR&D Center of Excellence (151R), Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA. bruce.a.crosson@emory.edu
authors: Bruce
authors: B
authors: Crosson
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D013060:Speech / Q000502:physiology*; D013788:Thalamus / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*