Prefrontal interactions reflect future task operations.

Full Abstract

When task instructions are given, the human brain establishes a task set before the task is actually performed. By introducing a delay between the instruction and the task, we have identified the neural correlates of task sets using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Subjects were instructed to remember a sequence of positions or letters, either in the order presented or in the reverse order. Spatial or verbal processing areas were active during the delay, depending on whether positions or letters were to be remembered, whereas the anterior region of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) was active regardless of the domain of the items. Furthermore, the nature of the interaction between the anterior PFC and the domain-specific posterior prefrontal areas (superior frontal sulcus and left inferior frontal gyrus) depended on whether the items were to be remembered in the forward or backward order. Thus we have identified inter-regional interactions that reflect preparation for task performance.

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Author information

Author/s: Sakai, Katsuyuki (K); Passingham, Richard E (RE);

Affiliation: Wellcome Department of Cognitive Neurology, Institute of Neurology, 12 Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK. ksakai(-atsign-)fil.ion.ucl.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Nature neuroscience (Nat Neurosci), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2003-Jan; vol 6 (issue 1) : pp 75-81

Dates: Created 2002/12/20; Completed 2003/03/07; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 12469132, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult
Brain Mapping
Cerebral Cortex - anatomy & histology; physiology
Cognition - physiology
Female
Functional Laterality - physiology
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Nerve Net - anatomy & histology; physiology
Neural Pathways - anatomy & histology; physiology
Neuropsychological Tests
Prefrontal Cortex - anatomy & histology; physiology
Psychomotor Performance - physiology
Verbal Behavior - physiology

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