ABSTRACT
Attention is a complex neurobehavioral domain that is essential for all higher functions.
Large areas of the brain are devoted to attention, reflecting its importance in the
entire range of mental operations. Currently, two major distributed neural networks
are recognized as mediating complementary aspects of attentional function. One is
a diffuse system that distributes attention globally. This attentional system is subserved
by a widespread network of thalamic and bihemispheric structures in which the frontal
lobes are particularly important. The second network, a focal system that distributes
attention to salient aspects of spatial experience, is lateralized to frontal and
parietal regions of the right hemisphere. Both attentional networks are comprised
of cortical and subcortical gray matter structures, as well as connecting white matter
tracts that integrate these regions into functional ensembles. Neurological disorders
frequently produce dramatic syndromes reflecting dysfunction of these networks. Among
these syndromes are the acute confusional state, which results from disturbance of
the diffuse system, and left neglect, which follows disruption of the right hemisphere
system. The neuroanatomy of attention is crucial for understanding important neurobehavioral
syndromes and their treatment.
KEYWORD
Attention - neuroanatomy - acute confusional state - neglect - neural networks
