Recurrent thalamo-cortical resonance

Recurrent thalamo-cortical resonance, as proposed by Rodolfo Llinas, is a dynamic time coherent event involving intrinsic neuronal properties at the thalamus and cerebral cortex and specific connectivity between such cellular groups. The resonance is manifested, at thalamic and cortical level, by time coherent gamma band oscillatory frequency (35-50Hz) between these two sites and results in the generation of cognitive function (Llinas et al 1998, Llinas 2001). This function, which is intrinsic to the brain, occurs continuously throughout the lifespan of animals and is constantly modulated by sensory input during wakefullnes and generates dreams during REM sleep. Such resonance allows the brain to a) image the external world from a sensory perspective, in context with the state of the animal b) activate motor behavior in accordance of such input and c) modify sensory input (induction) into internal personal images (deduction) that allow the generation of ideas and intentions. This resonance can become entrained as an attractor at low frequency and generate a pathological state known as Thalamocortical dysrhythmia

References

* Llinas, R., Ribary, U., Contreras, D. and Pedroarena, C. (1998) "The neuronal basis for consciousness". Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B 1377:1841-1849.
* Llinas R. (2001) " I of the Vortex". MIT Press.