Behavioral effects of selective ablation of the caudate nucleus.

It is suggested that the CAUDATE may be EQUIPOTENTIAL with the CEREBRAL CORTEX and capable of ASSUMing CORTICAL FUNCTIONS.

Abstract

CEREBRAL CORTEX PROJECTS IN A TOPOGRAPHICAL MANNER TO THE CAUDATE NUCLEUS. THE TAIL OF THE CAUDATE NUCLEUS RECEIVES FIBERS FROM THE INFEROTEMPORAL CORTEX; THE VENTROLATERAL PART OF THE HEAD OF THE CAUDATE NUCLEUS RECEIVES FIBERS FROM THE ORBITAL FRONTAL CORTEX; AND THE ANTERODORSAL PART OF THE HEAD OF THE CAUDATE NUCLEUS RECEIVES FIBERS FROM THE DORSOLATERAL FRONTAL CORTEX. IN THE MONKEY THESE SECTORS OF THE CAUDATE NUCLEUS SUBSERVE THE FUNCTIONS OF THE CORTEX FROM WHICH EACH RECEIVES PROJECTIONS, SUGGESTING THAT THE CAUDATE MAY BE EQUIPOTENTIAL WITH THE CEREBRAL CORTEX AND CAPABLE OF ASSUMING CORTICAL FUNCTIONS. IT ALSO SUGGESTS THAT THE STRIATUM IS THE 1ST LINK IN A MAJOR PATHWAY PROVIDING FOR CORTICAL REGULATION OF LOWER CENTERS. (28 REF.)