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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Measuring and Manipulating Functionally Specific Neural Pathways in the Human Motor System with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Published on: February 23, 2020
Rostral premotor cortex as a gateway between motor and cognitive networks
1Department of Functional Brain Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Japan. hanakawa@ncnp.go.jp
The rostral premotor cortex acts as a bridge between cognitive and motor functions. This brain region integrates information, allowing cognitive and motor networks to interact or function separately.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Motor Control
Background:
- Growing evidence suggests shared neural substrates and computational principles between motor and cognitive behaviors across species.
- The precise mechanisms and brain regions facilitating this interaction remain under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that rostral premotor-subcortical networks serve as a gateway between cognitive and motor systems.
- To identify overlapping brain regions involved in motor planning and diverse cognitive tasks.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies.
- Inclusion of studies on motor planning, mental calculation, visuospatial processing, and cognitive control.
Main Results:
- Significant activation overlap was found in the rostral premotor cortex across all examined tasks.
- A potential rostro-caudal functional gradient within the rostral premotor cortex was observed.
- Evidence suggests circuits between rostral premotor areas and specific parts of the cerebellum and basal ganglia.
Conclusions:
- The rostral premotor cortex likely functions as a crucial interface between cognitive and motor networks.
- These areas may facilitate context-dependent connectivity, mediating information flow and enabling flexible network operation.
- This supports a unified view of brain function where cognitive and motor processes are intricately linked.
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