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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
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Measuring and Manipulating Functionally Specific Neural Pathways in the Human Motor System with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Published on: February 23, 2020
Cortical and subcortical interactions during action reprogramming and their related white matter pathways
Franz-Xaver Neubert1, Rogier B Mars, Ethan R Buch
1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX1 3UD, United Kingdom. franz.xaver.neubert@gmail.com
Summary
Cognitive control involves the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG) and presupplementary motor area (pre-SMA). These areas influence motor cortex (M1) via distinct pathways, with rIFG being inhibitory and pre-SMA facilitatory during action reprogramming.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Motor Control
Background:
- The right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG) and presupplementary motor area (pre-SMA) are implicated in cognitive control and inhibiting habitual responses.
- The precise physiological interactions and anatomical pathways between rIFG, pre-SMA, and the primary motor cortex (M1) remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological interactions between rIFG, pre-SMA, and M1 during action reprogramming and routine action selection.
- To elucidate the temporal dynamics and anatomical substrates of these interactions.
Main Methods:
- Paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (ppTMS) was used to probe functional connectivity between rIFG-M1 and pre-SMA-M1.
- Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were used to correlate white matter structure with TMS-measured connectivity.
Main Results:
- Distinct functional interactions between pre-SMA-M1 and rIFG-M1 were observed, specific to action reprogramming.
- Pre-SMA exerted a facilitatory influence, while rIFG exerted an inhibitory influence on M1.
- rIFG's inhibitory effect was dependent on pre-SMA, and influences occurred at short (6 ms) and long (12 ms) latencies, mediated by distinct pathways.
Conclusions:
- The findings reveal specific physiological mechanisms underlying cognitive control and action reprogramming involving rIFG and pre-SMA.
- These brain regions interact with the motor cortex through distinct temporal and anatomical routes, contributing to flexible behavior.
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