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Connectivity of the Pulvinar
Ricardo Gattass1, Juliana G M Soares1, Bruss Lima1
1Laboratory of Cognitive Physiology, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Advances in Anatomy, Embryology, and Cell Biology
|November 9, 2017
Summary
Neuroanatomical tracing reveals new visual field maps in monkey pulvinar connectivity. As the cortex grew, the pulvinar evolved functional subdivisions for better interaction with the cortex.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Primate Neuroanatomy
- Visual System Research
Background:
- Pulvinar connectivity is crucial for visual processing.
- Previous studies used various neuroanatomical tracing techniques in monkeys.
- Electrophysiological methods identified some visual field maps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pulvinar connectivity in New and Old World monkeys.
- To identify functional subdivisions within the pulvinar.
- To understand the pulvinar's role in visual processing relative to cortical expansion.
Main Methods:
- Neuroanatomical tracing techniques.
- Comparative analysis of monkey pulvinar connectivity.
- Review of existing electrophysiological data.
Main Results:
- Connectivity studies revealed visual field maps beyond those found via electrophysiology.
- Specific maps (P3 in capuchins, P3/P4 in macaques) were identified.
- Evidence suggests functional subdivisions developed in the pulvinar.
Conclusions:
- The pulvinar exhibits complex connectivity patterns.
- New functional subdivisions likely emerged with increasing cortical size.
- These subdivisions facilitate pulvinar-cortical interactions.
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