Understanding MindBrain

 
 
Random Article


 
Latest Posts
 

New vistas for alpha-frequency band oscillations

 

 
Overview
 

 
Summary
 
 
 
 
 


 


Bottom Line

Palva S, Palva JM. Article in Trends in Neurosciences Abstract The amplitude of alpha-frequency band (8-14 Hz) activity in the human electroencephalogram is suppressed by eye opening, visual stimuli and visual scanning, whereas it is enhanced during internal tasks, such as mental calculation and working memory. Alpha-frequency band oscillations have hence been thought to reflect […]

0
Posted October 26, 2008 by Bernard J. Baars

 
Full Article
 
 

Palva S, Palva JM.
Article in Trends in Neurosciences

Abstract
The amplitude of alpha-frequency band (8-14 Hz) activity in the human electroencephalogram is suppressed by eye opening, visual stimuli and visual scanning, whereas it is enhanced during internal tasks, such as mental calculation and working memory. Alpha-frequency band oscillations have hence been thought to reflect idling or inhibition of task-irrelevant cortical areas. However, recent data on alpha-amplitude and, in particular, alpha-phase dynamics posit a direct and active role for alpha-frequency band rhythmicity in the mechanisms of attention and consciousness. We propose that simultaneous alpha-, beta- (14-30 Hz) and gamma- (30-70 Hz) frequency band oscillations are required for unified cognitive operations, and hypothesize that cross-frequency phase synchrony between alpha, beta and gamma oscillations coordinates the selection and maintenance of neuronal object representations during working memory, perception and consciousness.


Bernard J. Baars

 


0 Comments



Be the first to comment!


Leave a Response