Motor cortex feedback influences sensory processing by modulating network state
Edward Zagha1, Amanda E Casale, Robert N S Sachdev
1Department of Neurobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
Neuron
|July 16, 2013
Summary
Motor cortex activity influences sensory processing by altering network states in the somatosensory cortex. This corticocortical communication enhances sensory discrimination during active exploration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Systems Neuroscience
- Sensory Processing
Background:
- Long-range corticocortical connections are crucial for context-dependent sensory processing.
- The precise influence of these pathways on target regions remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how primary motor cortex (M1) activity modulates primary somatosensory cortex (S1) network states.
- To understand the role of corticocortical feedback in sensory coding and discrimination.
Main Methods:
- Studied the mouse whisker system to examine M1-S1 interactions.
- Utilized electrophysiological recordings to observe network state dynamics.
- Performed experiments to identify the direct corticocortical feedback pathway.
Main Results:
- M1 and S1 exhibit coherent, context-dependent network state changes.
- M1 activity directly drives shifts in S1 network states.
- The direct corticocortical feedback pathway provides precise modulation of network dynamics.
- Activated network states enhance the reliability of sensory responses to complex stimuli.
Conclusions:
- Corticocortical communication from M1 plays a vital role in modulating S1 network states.
- This modulation significantly impacts sensory coding, improving sensory discrimination.
- M1 influences S1 to prime it for enhanced sensory processing during active exploration.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex
The somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobes is crucial for interpreting sensory data such as touch, temperature, and proprioception. The somatosensory cortex, situated in the parietal lobes, plays a vital role in interpreting sensory information like touch, temperature, and proprioception—awareness of body position. This specialized brain region features an organized structure wherein neurons at the top primarily process sensations originating from the lower body. In contrast, those at the...
01:14Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
The cerebral cortex, the brain's outermost layer, is pivotal in processing complex cognitive tasks, emotions, and various sensory inputs and executing voluntary motor activities. This intricate structure is divided into three primary functional areas: the motor areas, sensory areas, and association areas.
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex.
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex.
01:33Somatosensation
The somatosensory system relays sensory information from the skin, mucous membranes, limbs, and joints. Somatosensation is more familiarly known as the sense of touch. A typical somatosensory pathway includes three types of long neurons: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary neurons have cell bodies located near the spinal cord in groups of neurons called dorsal root ganglia. The sensory neurons of ganglia innervate designated areas of skin called dermatomes.
01:10Spinal Cord: Information Processing
The spinal cord is an integral hub for motor and sensory information that enables the brain to communicate with the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This communication consists of relaying sensory data and transmission of motor commands.
Sensory Information Processing
Sensory information processing begins at the sensory receptors located in the skin and other tissues, which detect somatic sensory stimuli such as touch, temperature, or pain. These receptors function as catalysts, initiating...
Sensory Information Processing
Sensory information processing begins at the sensory receptors located in the skin and other tissues, which detect somatic sensory stimuli such as touch, temperature, or pain. These receptors function as catalysts, initiating...
01:11Sensory Perception: Organization of the Somatosensory System
The somatosensory system is the central and peripheral nervous system component that senses and processes touch, pressure, pain, temperature, and body position or proprioception. The process of sensation takes place at three levels:
The receptor level:
The receptor level is the first stage of sensation. It involves the detection of a stimulus by specialized sensory receptors. The stimulus must arrive within the receptor's receptive field. Next, the receptor converts the energy of the stimulus...
The receptor level:
The receptor level is the first stage of sensation. It involves the detection of a stimulus by specialized sensory receptors. The stimulus must arrive within the receptor's receptive field. Next, the receptor converts the energy of the stimulus...
01:18Hierarchy of Motor Control
The hierarchy of motor control refers to the different levels of organization and processing involved in controlling movement in the body. These levels range from higher cortical areas involved in planning and decision-making to lower spinal cord reflexes that respond automatically to external stimuli.