Thalamic input to motor cortex facilitates goal-directed action initiation.

ABSTRACT: Prompt execution of planned motor action is essential for survival. The interactions between frontal cortical circuits and the basal ganglia are central to goal-oriented action selection and initiation.^1-4 In rodents, the ventromedial thalamic nucleus (VM) is one of the critical nodes that conveys the output of the basal ganglia to the frontal cortical areas including the anterior lateral motor cortex (ALM).^5-9 Recent studies showed the critical role of ALM and its interplay with the motor thalamus in preparing sensory-cued rewarded movements, specifically licking.^10-12 Work in primates suggests that the basal ganglia output to the motor thalamus transmits an urgency or vigor signal,^13-15 which leads to shortened reaction times and faster movemen

SUBMITTER: Takahashi N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8478854 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature