How is the feed-forward Pavlovian control system instantiated in neurobiology?

Abstract

While feed-forward mechanisms may be ubiquitous in biological systems that form the substrates of Pavlovian conditioning, the control system proposed by Domjan, Cusato & Villarreal seems too elaborate for Pavlovian conditioning of simple skeletal muscle responses. We discuss here how the known neural substrates of classical eyeblink conditioning can be described in feed-forward terms, but argue that the monitor/comparator part of the system is not necessary and perhaps could even be detrimental to simple, nonsocial forms of Pavlovian conditioning.