Time perception mechanisms at central nervous system

Abstract

The five senses have specific ways to receive environmental information and lead to central nervous system. The perception of time is the sum of stimuli associated with cognitive processes and environmental changes. Thus, the perception of time requires a complex neural mechanism and may be changed by emotional state, level of attention, memory and diseases. Despite this knowledge, the neural mechanisms of time perception are not yet fully understood. The objective is to relate the mechanisms involved the neurofunctional aspects, theories, executive functions and pathologies that contribute the understanding of temporal perception. Articles form 1980 to 2015 were searched by using the key themes: neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, theories, time cells, memory, schizophrenia, depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and Parkinson’s disease combined with the term perception of time. We evaluated 158 articles within the inclusion criteria for the purpose of the study. We conclude that research about the holdings of the frontal cortex, parietal, basal ganglia, cerebellum and hippocampus have provided advances in the understanding of the regions related to the perception of time. In neurological and psychiatric disorders, the understanding of time depends on the severity of the diseases and the type of tasks.

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“…Moreover, Maimon and Assad demonstrated a wider participation of neurons on lateral intraparietal area in timing the execution of movements in response to external stimuli. They support the idea that activity of the lateral intraparietal area has a probability in determining if an event is about to occur [1]. "…”

“…Fontes et al [1] noted, "The influence of basal ganglia on time perception seems to be related to adjustments to the motor [movement] component of time perception. "…”

“…The modulation by brain neurochemistry and integration with other brain areas such as the cerebellum and basal ganglia have been highlighted by dopamine, which appears to be related with perception of seconds to minutes, and associated to the frontostriatal circuitry. On the other hand, the acetylcholine is related to memory and attention on tasks involving time perception [1]. "…”

“…Thus, the perception of time requires a complex neural mechanism and may be changed by emotional state, level of attention, memory and diseases. Diverse brain regions associated with the sense of time (frontal cortex, basal ganglia, parietal cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus) are responsible for receiving, associating and interpreting information in fractions of milliseconds, seconds and minutes [1]. "…”

Symptoms of Nervous System Related Disorders Among Workers Exposed to Occupational Noise and Vibration in Korea

“…1,4,5 Although the focus on the causes of occupational accidents and injuries has changed over time, workers' physical and mental status (including health and general condition) have always been included in assessments. 12,13 Interestingly, fatigue, eye strain/headache, and sleep disturbance/insomnia have shared mechanisms and are related nervous system disorders that are related to reduced health status in workers. 1,7 -9 Disturbance of body and mental status have led to the poor conditions of working populations, declined attention and motivation for working, languid habits in the workplace, and difficultly judging hazardous situations that can lead to accidents and injuries.…”