The lamprey belongs to the phylogenetically oldest group of vertebrates that diverged from
the mammalian evolutionary line 560 million years ago. A comparison between the lamprey …

The group of nuclei within the basal ganglia of the forebrain is central to the control of
movement. We present data showing that the structure and function of the basal ganglia …

How consciousness appeared much earlier in evolutionary history than is commonly
assumed, and why all vertebrates and perhaps even some invertebrates are conscious …

A comparison of the vertebrate motor systems of the oldest group of now living vertebrates
(lamprey) with that of mammals shows that there are striking similarities not only in the basic …

The primary driver of the evolution of the vertebrate nervous system has been the necessity
to move, along with the requirement of controlling the plethora of motor behavioural …

The basic architecture of the mammalian neocortex is remarkably similar across species.
Pallial structures in the reptilian brain are considered amniote precursors of mammalian …

Background The frontal lobe control of movement in mammals has been thought to be a
specific function primarily related to the layered neocortex with its efferent connections. In …

The basal ganglia are critical for selecting actions and evaluating their outcome. Although
the circuitry for selection is well understood, how these nuclei evaluate the outcome of …

Highlights•A large part of the basal ganglia output targets brainstem motor centres
directly.•During initiation of movement both the direct and indirect pathway become …

The forebrain plays a critical role in a broad range of neural processes encompassing
sensory integration and initiation/selection of behaviour. The forebrain functions through an …