The thalamocortical system: Basic physiology

Sensory information reaches the cortex via the thalamus. The relay neurons in the specific thalamic nuclei act as gatekeepers:

  • In waking, the gate is open.
  • In sleep, the gate is closed.

Adapted from Fig. 20.1 in Ref.: Kandel ER, Schwartz JH, Jessell TM (eds) Neurowissenschaften. Eine Einführung. Spektrum Akademischer Verlag Heidelberg, 1995.

 

 

 

©1998 BITS OF SLEEP (Demo) : The brain in sleep: Thalamocortical system.