Thalamocortical network: a core structure for integrative multimodal vestibular functions.
Thomas Brandt1,2, Marianne Dieterich1,3,4
1German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders.
Current Opinion in Neurology
|November 22, 2018
Summary
The human thalamus integrates multisensory vestibular information, with right-hemisphere dominance observed in sensorimotor and cognitive functions. Lesions rarely cause rotational vertigo, instead leading to disorientation due to distinct vestibular pathway coding.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Vestibular System Research
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- The thalamus acts as a crucial relay station for sensory input.
- Neuronal modules for sensorimotor and cognitive functions are organized in hubs.
- The human thalamus integrates multisensory vestibular information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply the concept of nonreflexive sensorimotor and cognitive vestibular functions and disturbances to right and left thalamocortical systems.
- To explore the role of the thalamus as an integrative hub for vestibular function.
- To understand the lateralization of vestibular functions in the thalamocortical system.
Main Methods:
- Review of imaging studies on functional connectivity.
- Analysis of connectivity-based parcellation studies.
- Mathematical simulation of vestibular dysfunction coding.
Main Results:
- Right-hemisphere dominance in upper brainstem and thalamus for right-handers.
- Asymmetrical organization of the parieto-insular vestibular cortex.
- No crossings of vestibular pathways within thalamic nuclei complexes.
- Central vestibular syndromes rarely manifest with rotational vertigo.
Conclusions:
- The thalamus serves as an integrative hub for higher multisensory vestibular function.
- Structural and functional separation of thalamic nuclei allows hemispheric lateralization.
- Different spatial reference systems are utilized in opposite hemispheres for sensorimotor and cognitive tasks.
- Unilateral vestibular dysfunction is coded differently, explaining varied vertigo symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
02:10The Nucleosome Core Particle
14.4K
Nucleosomes are the DNA-histone complex, where the DNA strand is wound around the histone core. The histone core is an octamer containing two copies of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 histone proteins.
The paradox
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their main responsibility is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. While on the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access DNA...
The paradox
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their main responsibility is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. While on the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access DNA...
14.4K
01:56Structural Protein Function
29.9K
Structural proteins are a category of proteins responsible for functions ranging from cell shape and movement to providing support to major structures such as bones, cartilage, hair, and muscles. This group includes proteins such as collagen, actin, myosin, and keratin.
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...
29.9K
01:56Structural Protein Function
3.3K
3.3K
01:25Network Function of a Circuit
717
Frequency response analysis in electrical circuits provides vital insights into a circuit's behavior as the frequency of the input signal changes. The transfer function, a mathematical tool, is instrumental in understanding this behavior. It defines the relationship between phasor output and input and comes in four types: voltage gain, current gain, transfer impedance, and transfer admittance. The critical components of the transfer function are the poles and zeros.
717
01:58Fruit Development, Structure, and Function
25.2K
Fruits form from a mature flower ovary. As seeds develop from the ovules contained within, the ovary wall undergoes a series of complex changes to form fruit. In some fruits, such as soybeans, the ovary wall dries; in other fruits, such as grapes, it remains fleshy. In some cases, organs other than the ovary contribute to fruit formation; such fruits are called accessory fruits.
25.2K
01:29The Vestibular System
43.9K
The vestibular system is a set of inner ear structures that provide a sense of balance and spatial orientation. This system is comprised of structures within the labyrinth of the inner ear, including the cochlea and two otolith organs—the utricle and saccule. The labyrinth also contains three semicircular canals—superior, posterior, and horizontal—that are oriented on different planes.
43.9K