A current model of neural circuitry active in forming mental images

Abstract

My aim here is to formulate a compact, intuitively understandable model of neural circuits active in imagination that would be consistent with the current state of knowledge, but that would be simple enough to be able to use for teaching. I argue that such a model should be based on the recent idea of “concept neurons” and circuits of 2 separate loops necessary for recalling mental images and consolidation of memory traces of long-term memory. This paper discusses the role of the hippocampus and temporal lobe, emphasizing the essential importance of recurrent pathways and oscillations occurring in the upper layers of hierarchical neural structures, as well as oscillations in thalamo-cortical loops.The elaborated model helps explain specific processes such as imagining future situations, novel objects, and anticipated action, as well as imagination concerning oneself, which is indispensable for the sense of identity and self-awareness.I attempt to present this compact, simple model of neural circuitry active in imagination by using some intuitive, demonstrative figures.

Larger Volume and Different Activation of the Brain in Response to Threat in Military Officers

“…These data explain the association of PA with general cognitive improvements among individuals. For example, the hippocampus impacts navigation and spatial representation skills (Stickgold, Malia, Maguire, Roddenberry, & O'Connor, 2000), spatial memory (Lee, Miyasato, & Clayton, 1998), and retrieval (Brodziak, 2013); PCC is associated with navigation ability (Maguire et al, 2000), spatial memory (Friedman et al, 1998), the recognition and retrieval of previously encountered information (Liégeois et al, 2004), semantic priming (O'Hare, Dien, Waterson, 2006); and precentral gyrus is involved in spatial working memory (Weinstein et al, 2012).…”

Neural Circuits, Microtubule Processing, Brain’s Electromagnetic Field—Components of Self-Awareness

“…The visual perceptions and the imagery of visually perceived objects are realized on the basis of the same neural substrates [5][6][7][8]. This fact has been confirmed recently by several researchers [17][18][19].…”

“…The structures essential for the realization of imagery are illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. These figures are reproduced from our previous papers presenting a theoretical model of neural circuits, which explains how three distinct basic cognitive functions are realized [5][6][7][8]. In formulating this model, we assumed that it is necessary to explain the difference between the perception of novel and unfamiliar objects.…”

“…Hence, it is now possible to relate these mentioned "Orch OR" and "cemi" theories to our explanation of how neural circuits realize imagery. We have presented the description of the recall of mental images from memory in several articles [5][6][7][8].…”

Investigating A Hypothesis on The Mechanism of Long-Term Memory Storage

“…Hippocampus, due to its significant role in retrieval, is called the "central organ to recall" (Squire, 1992). This organ is active while memory retrieval occurs (Brodziak, 2013;Ryan et al, 2001), and it indexes the parts of the brain that should be activated to accommodate the portions of the downloaded data package (Nadel and Moscovitch, 1997). To be more precise, hippocampus receives data from the pineal gland, re-encodes it (Winocur et al, 2010), and spreads the information to the relevant brain areas for further elaborations (Daselaar et al, 2008), or to re-instantiate the initial experience (Rattenborg and Martinez-Gonzalez, 2011).…”