Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026
09:16
Dynamic Quantitative Sensory Testing to Characterize Central Pain Processing
Published on: February 16, 2017
17.5K
Monoaminergic Neuromodulation of Sensory Processing
Simon N Jacob1, Hendrikje Nienborg2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
Frontiers in Neural Circuits
|July 26, 2018
Summary
Neuromodulators like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline significantly impact sensory processing in the brain. Understanding these monoamines
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurophysiology
- Sensory Systems
Background:
- Neuromodulation affects all neuronal circuits, with known impacts on cognitive functions.
- Less is understood about how neuromodulators influence sensory brain areas.
- Monoamines (serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline) are key neuromodulators in the brain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the influence of serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline on sensory stimulus representation.
- To explore the functional organization of monoaminergic systems in sensory processing.
- To synthesize neurophysiological evidence on monoamine effects in early sensory processing.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current knowledge on neuromodulation in sensory systems.
- Analysis of functional organization of monoaminergic brainstem systems.
- Synthesis of neurophysiological data on monoamine actions on neuronal responses.
Main Results:
- Monoamines exert diverse effects on early sensory processing, altering response gain and precision.
- Evidence shows complementarity between different monoaminergic systems.
- Distinct patterns of innervation and actions exist across brain areas and cortical layers.
Conclusions:
- Monoaminergic neuromodulators play a critical role in shaping sensory information processing.
- Understanding these effects is vital for comprehending healthy brain function.
- This knowledge is crucial for understanding the generation and maintenance of mental diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:31What is a Sensory System?
101.2K
Sensory systems detect stimuli—such as light and sound waves—and transduce them into neural signals that can be interpreted by the nervous system. In addition to external stimuli detected by the senses, some sensory systems detect internal stimuli—such as the proprioceptors in muscles and tendons that send feedback about limb position.
101.2K
01:15Sensory Modalities
3.9K
Sensation typically is the process by which the sensory receptors and sense organs detect stimuli from the internal and external environment and transmit this information to the central nervous system for processing.
General senses refer to the broad category of sensory information detected by receptors in the body and can be further grouped into somatic and visceral senses. Somatic sensations include touch, pressure, temperature, and pain and are essential for navigating our environment and...
General senses refer to the broad category of sensory information detected by receptors in the body and can be further grouped into somatic and visceral senses. Somatic sensations include touch, pressure, temperature, and pain and are essential for navigating our environment and...
3.9K
01:14Sensory Memory
705
Sensory memory captures information from the environment in its original form for a very brief duration, just long enough to be exposed to visual, auditory, and other senses. This type of memory is detailed and rich but quickly lost unless certain strategies are employed to transfer it into short-term or long-term memory. Sensory information is continuously bombarding the human brain, yet only a small fraction is absorbed, as most of it does not significantly impact daily life. For instance,...
705
01:31Introduction to Sensory Receptors
8.1K
Sensory receptors are vital in our ability to perceive and interpret the world. Sensory receptors are specialized cells in the peripheral nervous system that respond to various stimuli and enable one to experience different sensations. Based on specific criteria, sensory receptors are classified into distinct types.
The first classification criterion is based on cell type, position, and function. Some receptor cells are neurons with free nerve endings, where their dendrites are embedded in the...
The first classification criterion is based on cell type, position, and function. Some receptor cells are neurons with free nerve endings, where their dendrites are embedded in the...
8.1K
01:16Sensory Functions of the Skin
8.3K
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and plays a crucial role in our sensory perception. It contains a vast network of sensory receptors that contribute to the skin's protective function by perceiving physical, biological, and environmental cues and generating relevant responses.
There are two main categories of receptors on the skin: capsulated and non-capsulated. The non-capsulated ones are mainly the pain receptors. The capsulated ones can be further categorized based on the...
There are two main categories of receptors on the skin: capsulated and non-capsulated. The non-capsulated ones are mainly the pain receptors. The capsulated ones can be further categorized based on the...
8.3K
01:14Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
7.6K
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....
7.6K