The Striatopallidal System and Intentional Perception

The neostriatum and associated organs are a widely distributed and densely interconnected subcortical system. Anatomically, through a variety of stages and pathways, the striatopallidal system (SPS) is a complex mosaic of segregation, convergence, and divergence. Computationally, it is characterized by competitive selection and reinforcement-driven learning. Although the SPS is canonically a system of motor control and performance, more recent research has established that it is integral to cognition and other non-motor functions. Selection (decision) is its essential function, and selection is as integral to cognition, memory, attention, and perception, as to motor performance. It is the role of the SPS in perception that has received the least attention, but this role is a natural aspect of its role in selection, and is well-attested by recent experiments.