Cortical synaptic basis of consciousness

This review discusses the neural basis of consciousness, arguing that recent brain imaging and animal studies have identified a basic network centered on thalamocortical projections. Feedback and feedforward circuits between the thalamus and cortical regions maintain consciousness, even after certain brain injuries. Proteins and ion channels involved in these circuits are targets for drugs like anesthetics that alter consciousness. Synaptic plasticity, which modifies synapses during learning and recall, is proposed to contribute to higher-level consciousness in some individuals. The authors note that understanding of consciousness remains largely theoretical due to incomplete knowledge of brain networks.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Consciousness is one of final questions for humans to tackle in neuroscience. Due to a lack of understanding of basic brain networks and mechanisms of functions, our knowledge of consciousness mainly stays at a theoretical level. Recent studies using brain imaging in humans and modern neuroscience techniques in animal studies reveal the basic brain network for consciousness. The projection from the thalamus to different cortical regions forms a network of activities to maintain consciousness in humans and animals. These feedback and feedforward circuits maintain consciousness even in certain brain injury conditions. Pterions and ion channels that contribute to these circuit neural activities are targets for drugs and manipulations that affect consciousness such as anesthetic agents. Synaptic plasticity that trains synapses during learning and information recall modified the circuits and contributes to a high level of consciousness in a certain population.