Recent advance in functions of zona incerta

Abstract

Zona incerta (ZI) belongs to the structure of the subthalamus which contains cells of various sizes and types, and has a wide range of nerve fiber projections underlie complex functions. In recent years, a series of research evidences have demonstrated that ZI is involved in regulation mechanisms of predation, feeding, sleep/arousal, pain, locomotion and emotion. In this paper, the research progresses on the structure and functions of ZI in recent years are reviewed, which is expected to provide references for the future studies on ZI functions. Key words: Zona incerta; Sensation; Motion; Sleep arousal; Emotion