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Distinct Neural Substrates for Maintaining Locations and Spatial Relations in Working Memory.

Kara J Blacker1, Susan M Courtney2

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|December 10, 2016
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This study reveals distinct brain activity patterns for maintaining spatial locations versus spatial relations in working memory (WM). Neural representations of spatial information in WM differ based on type and change with cognitive load.

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Neuroimaging
  • Human Brain Function

Background:

  • Working memory (WM) involves distinct mechanisms for maintaining spatial locations and spatial relations.
  • Neural underpinnings of spatial location maintenance are well-studied, but those for spatial relations remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the neural basis of spatial relation maintenance in working memory (WM) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
  • To compare brain activity patterns associated with maintaining spatial locations versus spatial relations under varying cognitive loads.

Main Methods:

  • Two fMRI experiments were conducted to examine brain activity during WM tasks.
  • Participants maintained either single spatial locations or single spatial relations, with varying load conditions in Experiment 2.
  • Blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signals in the visual cortex and other brain regions were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Less quadrant-specific BOLD activity was observed in the visual cortex when maintaining spatial relations compared to spatial locations.
  • Distinct brain regions showed differential activation for locations versus relations: posterior parietal and prefrontal cortex for locations, and parahippocampal gyrus and precuneus/retrosplenial cortex for relations.
  • Cognitive load modulated these location- and relation-specific activations, with some regions sensitive to load for one type of information and others for general load.

Conclusions:

  • The neural substrates for maintaining spatial locations and spatial relations in WM are distinct.
  • Neural representations of spatial information in WM are not uniform and are influenced by the type of information and cognitive load.