The basal ganglia: A vertebrate solution to the selection problem?

A selection problem arises whenever two or more competing systems seek simu ltaneous access to a restricted resource. Consideration of several selectio n architectures suggests there are significant advantages for systems which incorporate a central switching mechanism. We propose that the vertebrate basal ganglia have evolved as a centralized selection device, specialized t o resolve conflicts over access to limited motor and cognitive resources. A nalysis of basal ganglia functional architecture and its position within a wider anatomical framework suggests it can satisfy many of the requirements expected of an efficient selection mechanism. (C) 1999 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.