The integration of negative affect, pain and cognitive control in the cingulate cortex
Alexander J Shackman1, Tim V Salomons, Heleen A Slagter
1Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, WI 53706, USA. shackman@wisc.edu
Nature Reviews. Neuroscience
|February 19, 2011
Summary
Negative affect, pain, and cognitive control overlap in the anterior midcingulate cortex (aMCC), challenging prior segregation views. This brain region integrates emotional and cognitive information for goal-directed behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Affective Neuroscience
Background:
- Previous research suggested functional segregation of emotion, pain, and cognitive control within the cingulate cortex.
- Emerging evidence indicates a potential overlap in brain regions involved in these processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional overlap between negative affect, pain, and cognitive control in the cingulate cortex.
- To re-evaluate the role of the dorsal cingulate, specifically the anterior midcingulate cortex (aMCC), in these domains.
Main Methods:
- Utilized neuroimaging studies to identify activation patterns during tasks involving negative affect, pain, and cognitive control.
- Incorporated anatomical studies to examine the connectivity of the aMCC.
- Reviewed computational modeling and other evidence supporting common control processes.
Main Results:
- Neuroimaging revealed overlapping activation in the anterior midcingulate cortex (aMCC) for negative affect, pain, and cognitive control.
- Anatomical findings identified the aMCC as a hub connecting reinforcer information with motor control centers.
- Evidence suggests common control processes underlying these distinct domains.
Conclusions:
- The anterior midcingulate cortex (aMCC) plays a crucial role in integrating negative affect, pain, and cognitive control.
- These findings challenge the notion of strict functional segregation within the cingulate cortex.
- A revised understanding of the dorsal cingulate's contribution to emotional and cognitive functions is warranted.
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