Behavioral Steering in Dual and Social States of Conation by the Amygdala, Hypothalamus, Ventral Striatum, and Thalamus

Abstract

Conative information relating to goal states is proposed as regulating columnar information structures in the neocortex. These structures may handle a spatiotemporal hierarchy of sensorimotor information and conative information. In basic behavioral states, a subcortical system selects a dominant modality of conation (corresponding to a specific goal state) from cortical and subcortical sources, and enhances or suppresses activity in neocortical information structures, yielding the selected modality. These adjustments steer behavior relative to the goal state, allowing assembly of new behavior patterns. For opposing or cooperative modalities of conation, a dual-state system is proposed that modulates the basic-state system. For more extended combinations of conative modalities, a further function is needed that interrelates the basic-state system and the cortex to provide hierarchical conation. Basic-state system control may be exercised by the hypothalamus, influencing the cortex via the thalamus. Other conative control functions may be implemented by the amygdala and the ventral striatum. Opiatergic circuits may be involved in modifying conative components of information.