Functions of the neostriatum: Cortex-dependent or autonomous?

Abstract

Studies of animals with ablations of varying amounts of the neocortex, the neostriatum, or both, are reviewed in an attempt to establish to which extent functions of the neostriatum are dependent on its cortical input. Scarce and inconclusive evidence does not allow firm conclusions. It seems well established that the neostriatum shares some functions with the neocortex. In the rat and infant monkeys these striatal functions appear to be cortex-independent, whereas in cats and adult monkeys they seem to be more cortex-dependent. It is possible, and even likely, that the neostriatum also has functions which are not shared with the cortex and which are cortex-independent. The degree to which the neostriatum is able to contribute to the integration of behavior in the absence of its cortical input is species- and age-specific.