Mesocortical System: A Unique Structure with Multiple Cognitive Functions
The mesocortical system, a unique brain structure located between the cortex and the mesencephalon, is responsible for the formation of multiple cognitive functions. It is composed of several pathways that connect the prefrontal cortex and the mesencephalon, including the mesocortical, mesolimbic, and mesostriatal pathways (Adhikari, 2017). The prefrontal cortex is a key region for the higher order executive and cognitive functions. It is responsible for the integration of information from multiple brain regions, decision-making, and planning (Regehr, 2016). The mesencephalon, on the other hand, is responsible for the regulation of motor functions, sleep, and arousal (Adhikari, 2017).
The mesocortical system is responsible for the regulation of several important cognitive processes. It is involved in the formation of working memory, which is the ability to hold and manipulate information in the short-term while performing tasks (Regehr, 2016). It is also involved in the formation of long-term memory, which is the ability to store and recall information over a long period of time (Adhikari, 2017). Additionally, the mesocortical system plays a role in the formation of emotion and reward processing, as well as the regulation of motivation and attention (Regehr, 2016).
The mesocortical pathway is the main connection between the prefrontal cortex and the mesencephalon. It is composed of the ventral tegmental area and the ventral striatum, which are both located in the mesencephalon (Regehr, 2016). The ventral tegmental area is responsible for the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in reward processing and motivation (Adhikari, 2017). The ventral striatum is responsible for the integration of sensory and motor information, as well as emotion and reward processing (Regehr, 2016).
The mesolimbic pathway is composed of the medial prefrontal cortex and the nucleus accumbens. It is responsible for the regulation of emotion and reward processing, as well as the integration of sensory and motor information (Adhikari, 2017). The mesostriatal pathway is composed of the medial prefrontal cortex and the dorsal striatum. It is responsible for the formation of motor functions, as well as working memory and decision-making (Regehr, 2016).
The mesocortical system is a unique structure that is responsible for the formation of multiple cognitive functions. It is composed of several pathways that connect the prefrontal cortex and the mesencephalon, including the mesocortical, mesolimbic, and mesostriatal pathways. The mesocortical pathway is responsible for the regulation of working memory, long-term memory, emotion and reward processing, motivation, and attention. The mesolimbic pathway is responsible for the regulation of emotion and reward processing, as well as the integration of sensory and motor information. The mesostriatal pathway is responsible for the formation of motor functions, as well as working memory and decision-making.
References
Adhikari, A. (2017). Anatomy of the Mesocortical System. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 11(170), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2017.00170
Regehr, C. (2016). Anatomy and Physiology of the Mesocortical System: Implications for Cognition. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 10(161), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2016.00161