Submitted on December 31, 2008
Revised on January 8, 2009
Accepted on January 8, 2009
Intra-thalamic mechanisms of visual attention
J. Patrick Mayo1*
1 University of Pittsburgh
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: jpm49{at}pitt.edu.
The classical model of visual processing emphasizes the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) as the major intermediary between the retina and visual cortex. Yet anatomical findings inspired Francis Crick to suggest an alternative model in which the thalamic reticular nucleus, which envelopes the LGN, acts as the "guardian" of visual cortex by modulating LGN activity. Recent work by McAlonan et al. (2008) supports Crick's hypothesis, thereby enhancing our understanding of the early stages of visual processing.
