Cortical circuits for the control of attention

Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2013 Apr;23(2):216-22. doi: 10.1016/j.conb.2012.11.011. Epub 2012 Dec 22.

Abstract

How are some thoughts favored over others? A wealth of data at the level of single neurons has yielded candidate brain areas and mechanisms for our best-understood model: visual attention. Recent work has naturally evolved toward efforts at a more integrative, network, understanding. It suggests that focusing attention arises from interactions between widespread cortical and subcortical networks that may be regulated via their rhythmic synchronization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Attention / physiology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / cytology
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Cortical Synchronization
  • Humans
  • Models, Neurological
  • Nerve Net / physiology*
  • Neurons / physiology