"Functional and anatomical organization of associative" cortical areas 7, 21 and 22 in monkeys. A study of the cortical projections from the pulvinar by means of HRP tracing technique
Mauguiere, F.; Baleydier, C.; Garde, A.
Revue Neurologique (Paris) 134(2): 93-102
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-3787 PMID: 211571 Document Number: 137304
The thalamic projections to the parietal and temporal associative areas (Brodmann's areas 7, 21 and 22) were revealed in the monkeys (Macaca fascicularis and Erythrocebus patas by the retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The medial pulvinar (PM) sent afferents to the 3 studied areas. Labeled neurons of the PM appeared to be grouped in terms of their cortical target; indeed, neurons of origin of projection fibers to areas 7, 21 and 22 were respectively localized in the dorso-lateral, ventro-lateral and ventro-medial part of the PM. Although the multimodal sensory nature of the PM was demonstrated by electrophysiological works, the function of PM neurons and the significance of their topographical repartition remain unknown. However PM could be involved in the transmission of specific sensory information to the 3 associative areas 7, 21 and 22. Such an hypothesis is discussed according to the hitherto available data.