| Summary: | Consciousness is seen as a difficult binding problem. Binding, a process wheredifferent sensations evoked by an item are associated in the nervous system, can beviewed as a process similar to associative learning. Several reports that consciousness isassociated with some form of memory imply that different forms of memories have acommon feature contributing to consciousness. Based on a proposed synaptic mechanismcapable of explaining different forms of memory, we developed a framework forconsciousness. It is based on the formation of semblance of sensory stimulus from 1)synaptic semblances when excitatory postsynaptic potentials arrive at functionallyLINKed postsynaptic membranes, and 2) network semblances when these potentialssummate to elicit action potential initiating activity in a network of neurons. It is thenpossible to derive a framework for consciousness as a multi-dimensional semblance.According to this framework, a continuum of semblances formed from backgroundsensory stimuli and oscillating neuronal activities serve to maintain consciousness.Feasibility of this framework to explain various physiological and pathological states ofconsciousness, its subjective nature and qualia is examined.
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