Projections from the ventromedial thalamus to the frontal cortex highlighted in green. Credit: Allen Brain Atlas

News
06/28/2017

Working-Memory Research Uncovers Essential Role for Thalamus

Previous research suggests that the neural signals underlying working memory reside in the cortex. But the new findings suggest the thalamus is a vital contributor.

BY:Simons Collaboration on the Global Brain

Summary: A trio of papers published in May suggest that short-term memory depends on interactions between the cortex and thalamus, a subcortical brain region that connects to many parts of the brain.

A trio of papers published in May suggest that short-term memory depends on interactions between the cortex and thalamus, a subcortical brain region that connects to many parts of the brain. Previous research had suggested that the cortex generates and maintains the neural activity thought to underlie working memory. But the new findings show that the thalamus is essential, changing the notion of how working memory works.

Working-Memory Research Uncovers Essential Role for Thalamus