Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System01:15

Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System

3.5K
The limbic system, often called the "emotional brain," is a complex set of structures located deep within the brain. The intricate network of the limbic system supports a wide range of psychological functions, from emotional regulation to memory formation and sensory processing. This functional brain region encompasses specific parts of the diencephalon and the cerebrum, integrating the higher mental functions of the cerebral cortex with the primitive emotional responses of the deep brain...
3.5K
Neural Circuits01:25

Neural Circuits

1.4K
Neural circuits and neuronal pools are two of the main structures found in the nervous system. Neural circuits are networks of neurons that work together to carry out a specific task or process. They consist of interconnected neurons and glial cells, which provide structural and metabolic support.
Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...
1.4K
Neuroplasticity01:01

Neuroplasticity

693
Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.
693
Neuronal Communication01:28

Neuronal Communication

1.3K
Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, communicate through complex electrochemical signals that underpin all cognitive and bodily functions. This communication is primarily facilitated by a process involving the generation and propagation of an action potential along the axon of the neuron. When the internal electrical charge of a neuron surpasses a certain threshold, an action potential is triggered. This rapid change in voltage travels swiftly along the axon to the...
1.3K
Diencephalon: Thalamus and Information Relay01:27

Diencephalon: Thalamus and Information Relay

1.9K
The thalamus, often called “the gateway to the cerebral cortex,” is vital in processing and directing sensory and motor signals throughout the brain. Almost all inputs destined for the cerebral cortex, except for olfactory signals, are relayed through the thalamus. The thalamus is  a sophisticated relay station, channeling information from various brain regions to the cerebral cortex, as well as a filter, prioritizing certain signals over others based on current physiological...
1.9K
Brainstem01:19

Brainstem

2.7K
The brainstem, located inferior to the brain and superior to the spinal cord, serves as a bridge between the cerebrum and the spinal cord. It plays a vital role in relaying information and controlling critical life functions. It comprises three primary regions: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
The Midbrain
The midbrain is located beneath the diencephalon and connects the cerebrum with the lower parts of the brain. The cerebral peduncles are prominent midbrain structures that house the...
2.7K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

What Is My Neuron Doing? Commentary on Huang et al. (2026).

eNeuro·2026
Same author

Ethograms predict visual fear conditioning status in rats.

eLife·2025
Same author

Ventral Pallidum Neurons Are Necessary to Generalize and Express Fear-Related Responding in a Minimal Threat Setting.

eNeuro·2024
Same author

Ethograms reveal a fear conditioned visual cue to organize diverse behaviors.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2024
Same author

A fear conditioned cue orchestrates a suite of behaviors in rats.

eLife·2024
Same author

Pavlovian Fear Conditioning Is More than You Think It Is.

The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience·2023

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 24, 2025

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
11:18

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat

Published on: September 12, 2014

15.3K

Brainstem networks construct threat probability and prediction error from neuronal building blocks.

Jasmin A Strickland1,2, Michael A McDannald3

  • 1Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA. jasmin.strickland@bc.edu.

Nature Communications
|October 19, 2022
PubMed
Summary

The brainstem, not just the forebrain, constructs threat probability and prediction error signals. This research reveals how brainstem networks process threat estimation and learning.

More Related Videos

Ex Vivo Optogenetic Dissection of Fear Circuits in Brain Slices
11:13

Ex Vivo Optogenetic Dissection of Fear Circuits in Brain Slices

Published on: April 5, 2016

16.0K
Closed-loop Neuro-robotic Experiments to Test Computational Properties of Neuronal Networks
11:18

Closed-loop Neuro-robotic Experiments to Test Computational Properties of Neuronal Networks

Published on: March 2, 2015

10.4K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Aug 24, 2025

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
11:18

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat

Published on: September 12, 2014

15.3K
Ex Vivo Optogenetic Dissection of Fear Circuits in Brain Slices
11:13

Ex Vivo Optogenetic Dissection of Fear Circuits in Brain Slices

Published on: April 5, 2016

16.0K
Closed-loop Neuro-robotic Experiments to Test Computational Properties of Neuronal Networks
11:18

Closed-loop Neuro-robotic Experiments to Test Computational Properties of Neuronal Networks

Published on: March 2, 2015

10.4K

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Computational Neuroscience

Background:

  • Threat estimation involves probability assessment, advantageous response, and experience-based updates.
  • The forebrain is traditionally linked to threat estimation, while the brainstem controls behavior.
  • The brainstem's role in prediction error, a key learning signal for threat estimates, is increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the brainstem's role in threat probability estimation and prediction error signaling.
  • To identify specific brainstem networks involved in processing threat-related information.
  • To understand how neuronal activity in the brainstem relates to learning and updating threat estimates.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Neuropixels probes for high-resolution, single-unit activity recording across a 21-region brainstem axis in rats.
  • Implemented a probabilistic fear discrimination task with foot shock outcomes.
  • Analyzed neuronal activity patterns during threat estimation, behavioral response, and outcome periods.

Main Results:

  • A specific brainstem network, featuring a dorsal hub, was identified as signaling threat probability.
  • Neuronal function remapping during the outcome phase led to brainstem networks signaling prediction error and shock.
  • These brainstem networks operate on multiple timescales, reflecting dynamic threat processing.

Conclusions:

  • The brainstem plays a critical role in constructing threat probability signals, moving beyond its traditional role in behavior elicitation.
  • Brainstem networks generate prediction error signals, crucial for updating threat estimates and facilitating adaptive learning.
  • Neuronal building blocks within the brainstem are organized to construct complex signals for threat probability, behavior, and prediction error.