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The neural basis of motivated behavior
1Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, La Jolla, California.
Acta Morphologica Neerlando-Scandinavica
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Neural circuits underlying motivated behaviors like thirst and reproduction involve distinct phases: initiation, procurement, and consummation. Humoral factors initiate these behaviors, with complex neural systems supporting procurement. Biochemical switching may occur in fixed neuroanatomical pathways.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Biology
- Neurobiology
Background:
- Motivated behaviors are crucial for survival and reproduction.
- Understanding the neural basis of motivated behavior is a key challenge in neuroscience.
- Behavioral acts can be dissected into initiation, procurement, and consummatory phases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review neural circuitry underlying motivated behaviors.
- To explore pathways involved in hypovolemic thirst and reproductive behavior.
- To examine the role of humoral factors and distinct neural systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on neural pathways.
- Analysis of circuitry for initiation, procurement, and consummatory phases.
- Focus on hypovolemic thirst and reproductive behaviors.
Main Results:
- Humoral factors are key in the initiation phase of motivated behaviors.
- Procurement involves distinct sensory processing and behavioral state modulation systems.
- Thalamocortical-lateral forebrain and medial forebrain systems are differentially involved.
Conclusions:
- Neural circuitry for motivated behaviors is complex and organized.
- Evidence suggests "biochemical switching" in fixed neuroanatomical circuits.
- These principles may apply to ingestive and reproductive behaviors.