He first discussed the different parts of the thalamus with focus on anatomy, afferents, efferents and functions of the dorsal thalamic nuclei. He then discussed the organization and connectivity of the different types of neurons in the various cortical layers. He explained how the pacemaker activity of the various neurons that are part of the thalamocortical circuits in burst and transmission mode are reflected during sleep and wake mode with special activity of the inhibitory reticular nuclei of the ventral thalamus.
The seminar stimulated an animated discussion on how the ARAS is involved during sleep and waking and in particular how the rhythmicity is maintained.
References
- Kandel, Schwartz and Jessell (2000): Principles of Neural Science, 4th edition
- Dale Purves et al (2008): Neuroscience, 4th edition
- Exploring thalamus – Sherman & Guillery.
- Functional Organization of Thalamocortical Relays –S.Murray sherman & R.W.Guillery, Journal of neurophysiology vol 76,1996.
- Medical physiology – Vernon Mountcastle 14th edition