attention
Introduction
Ability to sustain focused thought on a particular stimulus or activity. Neural pathways from the reticular-activating system in the brainstem to the intralaminar nuclei of the thalamus to the cerebral cortex constitute the attentional matrix.[2] These pathways play a role in alertness, response to stimuli & directed attention. The prefrontal, posterior parietal & medial temporal cortex (bilaterally) are most involved in general attention; the right parietal cortex is dominant for spatially-directed attention. Acetylcholine, dopamine & serotonin are the most important neurotransmitters involved in attentional pathways. Brainstem neural pathways regulating sleep & arousal overlap with those for attention. Norepinephrine associated with projections of the locus ceruleus plays a role in vigilance or arousal.
More general terms
Additional terms
- attention assessment
- attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- inattention (poor concentration, attention disorder)