The mediodorsal thalamus (MD) and anterior thalamic nuclei (ATN) are two adjacent brain nodes that support our ability to make decisions, learn, update information, form and retrieve memories, and find our way around. The MD and PFC work in partnerships to support cognitive processes linked to successful learning and decision-making, while the ATN and extended hippocampal system together coordinate the encoding and retrieval of memories and successful spatial navigation. Yet, while these distinctions may appear to be segregated, both the MD and ATN together support our higher cognitive functions as they regulate and are influenced by interconnected fronto-temporal neural networks and subcortical inputs. Our review focuses on recent studies in animal models and in humans. This evidence is re-shaping our understanding of the importance of MD and ATN cortico-thalamocortical pathways in influencing complex cognitive functions. Given the evidence from clinical settings and neuroscience research labs, the MD and ATN should be considered targets for effective treatments in neuropsychiatric diseases and disorders and neurodegeneration.

中背侧丘脑 (MD) 和前丘脑核 (ATN) 是两个相邻的大脑节点，它们支持我们做出决策、学习、更新信息、形成和检索记忆以及找到我们的出路的能力。MD 和 PFC 合作支持与成功学习和决策相关的认知过程，而 ATN 和扩展海马系统共同协调记忆的编码和检索以及成功的空间导航。然而，虽然这些区别似乎是分离的，但 MD 和 ATN 共同支持我们的高级认知功能，因为它们调节并受到相互连接的额颞神经网络和皮层下输入的影响。我们的审查侧重于动物模型和人类的最新研究。这一证据正在重新塑造我们对 MD 和 ATN 皮质-丘脑皮质通路在影响复杂认知功能中的重要性的理解。鉴于来自临床环境和神经科学研究实验室的证据，MD 和 ATN 应被视为有效治疗神经精神疾病和障碍以及神经退行性疾病的目标。