Brain circuits for consciousness

Abstract

The question is explored of the location of consciousness in the human brain. The author's own studies of defects of consciousness as the result of the splitting of the corpus callosum are described and disorders of consciousness associated with damage to other specific areas of the brain, are reviewed. A circuit spanning the brain is described which stretches from the parietal lobe at one side to the parietal lobe at the other and includes the splenium of the corpus callosum. The medial banks of the hemispheres, the callosal as well as the cingulate areas, are also thought to be involved.