Neural Circuits for Goal-Directed Sensorimotor Transformations

Trends Neurosci. 2019 Jan;42(1):66-77. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2018.08.011. Epub 2018 Sep 7.

Abstract

Precisely wired neuronal circuits process sensory information in a learning- and context-dependent manner in order to govern behavior. Simple sensory decision-making tasks in rodents are now beginning to reveal the contributions of distinct cell types and brain regions participating in the conversion of sensory information into learned goal-directed motor output. Task learning is accompanied by target-specific routing of sensory information to specific downstream cortical regions, with higher-order cortical regions such as the posterior parietal cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus appearing to play important roles in learning- and context-dependent processing of sensory input. An important challenge for future research is to connect cell-type-specific activity in these brain regions with motor neurons responsible for action initiation.

Keywords: decision-making; neocortex; neuronal cell-types; sensory perception.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology
  • Decision Making / physiology*
  • Goals*
  • Hippocampus / physiology
  • Humans
  • Learning / physiology*
  • Prefrontal Cortex / physiology*