The cellular and circuit mechanisms that mediate the effects of spatial attention

Spatial attention is the ability to selectively attend to stimuli in a specific location in our environment. It involves a network of brain regions and cellular mechanisms that work together to enhance the processing of information from attended locations. As well as suppress the processing of information from unattended locations.

At the cellular level, spatial attention is mediated by changes in neural activity in various brain regions involved in attention. One of the key mechanisms is modulation of the gain of neural responses. This means that neurons that are involved in processing information from attended locations have their activity enhanced.

Where as, neurons that process information from unattended locations have their activity suppressed. This modulation of neural gain is thought to be mediated by the release of neuro-modulators such as norepinephrine and acetylcholine, which can affect the excitability of neurons.

At the circuit level, spatial attention involves interaction between different brain regions that make up the attention network. These regions include the parietal cortex, prefrontal cortex, and superior colliculus. These regions communicate with each other through long-range connections and modulate each others activity.

For example, the prefrontal cortex can influence activity in the parietal cortex, which in turn can influence activity in the visual cortex. These interactions help to coordinate the selective processing of information from attended locations and suppress the processing of information from unattended locations.

Overall, the cellular and circuit mechanisms that mediate spatial attention involve a complex interplay of neural activity, neuro-modulation, and long-range connectivity within the brain.

Best,

Laura Zukerman

Owner and Founder At The Goddess Bibles

A Memoir By Laura Zukerman

Becoming Your Inner Goddess/God

Goddess/God On Fire ❤

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