2022/01/03 by Michael McCreesh, Jorge Cortés, McCreesh, Michael +1
Computer Science · Neuroscience · #FOS: Biological sciences #FOS: Electrical engineering #Functional Brain Connectivity Studies #Neural dynamics and brain function #Neurons and Cognition (q-bio.NC) #Nonlinear Dynamics and Pattern Formation #Systems and Control (eess.SY) #electronic engineering #information engineering
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2201.00850
openalex publication_date 2022/01/03 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Neuroscientific evidence shows that for most brain networks all pathways between cortical regions either pass through the thalamus or a transthalamic parallel route exists for any direct corticocortical connection. This paper seeks to formally study the dynamical behavior of the resulting thalamocortical brain networks with a view to characterizing the inhibitory role played by the thalamus and its benefits. We employ a linear-threshold mesoscale model for individual brain subnetworks and study both hierarchical and star-connected thalamocortical networks. Using tools from singular perturbation theory and switched systems, we show that selective inhibition and recruitment can be achieved in such networks through a combination of feedback and feedforward control. Various simulations throughout the exposition illustrate the benefits resulting from the presence of the thalamus regarding failsafe mechanisms, required control magnitude, and network performance.