How unexpected events interrupt cognition

Figure 6: Proposed Theoretical Framework by which Unexpected Events Interrupt Cognition

Forms of working memory (cognition) are likely maintained in cortical areas via reverberating thalamocortical drive. An unexpected event, in this case perceptual novelty, putatively recruits the brain’s stopping system, including the STN of the basal ganglia, which broadly suppresses thalamocortical drive. This erodes the cortical representation, corresponding to a concurrent loss of cognition.

Figure in three panels, explaining how unexpected events interrupt cognition. In the first panel, labeled "Thought Process", a silhouetted driver is shown next to a thought bubble with an image of a road. Overlayed on his head, a schematic illustrates the brain connections between the cortical representation and the thalamus. Text reads: "Thalamocortical drive is recurrent." In the second panel, labeled "Unexpected Perceptual Event", the view is zoomed out and the driver and windshield are shown, through which a silhouette of a deer is highlighted. Interior text reads "The driver is thinking of the route ahead, when suddenly a deer appears in their field of vision.". In panel three, labeled "Thought process is degraded by unexpected perceptual event," the view is zoomed back to the drivers head. The illustration of the road in the thought bubble is blurred. Overlayed on his head, a new schematic illustrates the brain connections between the cortical representation and the thalamus, along with additional pathways including STN and GPI. Interior text reads: "Thalamus support for cortical activity is degraded."

Appeared in:
Wessel, JR and Aron, AR (2017). On the Globality of Motor Suppression: Unexpected Events and Their Influence on Behavior and Cognition. Neuron 93, 259-280.

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