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The neuronal code for number.
1Animal Physiology Unit, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
Nature Reviews. Neuroscience
|May 7, 2016
Summary
Humans and primates share a brain system for quantifying numbers, processed by
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Comparative Psychology
Background:
- Humans and non-human primates possess a shared system for numerical quantification.
- This system is supported by a neural network located in the parietal and frontal lobes.
- Specialized 'number neurons' within this network encode the quantity (numerosity) of elements presented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural mechanisms underlying number processing in primates.
- To understand how numerical information is encoded and maintained in working memory.
- To explore the role of number neurons in rule-based decision-making and high-level cognitive functions.
Main Methods:
- Studying the activity of 'number neurons' in the parietal and frontal cortices.
- Analyzing neuronal responses to quantify elements across different sensory modalities and presentation formats (spatial/temporal).
- Observing neural processing of numerical information during tasks requiring working memory and decision-making.
Main Results:
- Identified 'number neurons' that encode numerosity irrespective of stimulus appearance or sensory system.
- Demonstrated that this neural network supports the extraction and processing of numerical information.
- Showed that number processing is crucial for maintaining information in working memory and performing rule-based tasks.
Conclusions:
- The shared neural network for quantification highlights a fundamental cognitive ability in primates.
- Number neurons are key to encoding and manipulating numerical information for complex behaviors.
- Studying number processing offers insights into the neural basis of higher brain functions like working memory and decision-making.
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