Spatial maps in frontal and prefrontal cortex

Neuroimage. 2006 Jan 15;29(2):567-77. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2005.08.058. Epub 2005 Nov 11.

Abstract

Though the function of prefrontal cortex has been extensively investigated, little is known about the internal organization of individual prefrontal areas. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to show that some frontal and prefrontal cortical areas represent visual space in orderly, reproducible, topographic maps. The map-containing areas partly overlap dorsolateral prefrontal areas engaged by working memory tasks. These maps may be useful for attending to task-relevant objects at various spatial locations, an aspect of the executive control of attention.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention / physiology
  • Brain Mapping*
  • Choice Behavior
  • Female
  • Frontal Lobe / anatomy & histology*
  • Functional Laterality / physiology
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Memory, Short-Term / physiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Prefrontal Cortex / anatomy & histology*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Reaction Time / physiology
  • Visual Fields / physiology