Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
927735 | Consciousness and Cognition | 2011 | 23 Pages |
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.
Related Topics
Life Sciences
Neuroscience
Cognitive Neuroscience
Authors
Lawrence M. Ward,