Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
Investigating Object Representations in the Macaque Dorsal Visual Stream Using Single-unit Recordings
Published on: August 1, 2018
A new field in monkey's frontal cortex: premotor ear-eye field (PEEF)
M Lanzilotto1, V Perciavalle, C Lucchetti
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Metabolic and Neuroscience, Section of Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy; Interdepartmental Facilities Center, Section of Polyclinic, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41125, Italy.
Abstract:
In macaque monkey, area 8B is cytoarchitectonically considered a transitional area between the granular Brodmann area 9, rostrally, and the rostral part of the dorsal agranular Brodmann area 6, caudally. As for electrophysiological data, microstimulation of area 8B evokes ear and/or eye movements; unit activity recording shows neurons encoding different auditory environmental stimuli and ear and/or eye movements. Moreover, visual attentive fixation modulates the discharge of auditory environmental neurons and auditory-motor neurons. As for anatomical data, area 8B is connected with auditory cortical areas, superior colliculus and cerebellum. Current functional and anatomical evidences support that area 8B is a specific Premotor Ear-Eye Field (PEEF) involved in auditory stimuli recognition and in orienting processes. In conclusion, we suggest that PEEF could play an important role in engaging the auditory spatial attention for the purpose of orienting eye and ear towards the sound source.
Insights
Area 8B in macaque monkeys acts as a Premotor Ear-Eye Field (PEEF). This region is crucial for processing auditory stimuli and orienting eye and ear movements toward sound sources, aiding auditory spatial attention.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Primate Brain Research
- Auditory Processing
Background:
- Area 8B in macaque monkeys is cytoarchitectonically transitional between Brodmann area 9 and area 6.
- Electrophysiological and anatomical data suggest a unique functional role for area 8B.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional and anatomical properties of area 8B in macaque monkeys.
- To determine if area 8B can be classified as a specific Premotor Ear-Eye Field (PEEF).
Main Methods:
- Microstimulation of area 8B to observe evoked movements.
- Unit activity recording to identify neuronal responses to auditory stimuli and movements.
- Anatomical tracing to determine connectivity with other brain regions.
Main Results:
- Microstimulation evoked ear and/or eye movements.
- Neurons in area 8B responded to auditory stimuli and were involved in ear/eye movements.
- Visual attention modulated the activity of auditory-related neurons.
- Area 8B showed connections with auditory cortex, superior colliculus, and cerebellum.
Conclusions:
- Area 8B functions as a Premotor Ear-Eye Field (PEEF).
- PEEF is involved in recognizing auditory stimuli and orienting responses.
- PEEF likely plays a key role in auditory spatial attention and orienting sensory organs toward sound sources.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
01:14Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex.
01:20Parallel Processing
01:22Lobes of the Cerebrum
Frontal lobe
The frontal lobes, located behind the forehead, are the command center of our brain, controlling personality, intelligence, and voluntary muscle movements.