Left posterior prefrontal regions support domain-general executive processes needed for both reading and math

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Executive processes (EP) are crucial for complex cognitive functions like reading and math.
• The specific neural underpinnings of domain-general EP supporting both reading and math remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the shared neural regions supporting domain-general executive processes in reading and math.
• To investigate the role of the prefrontal cortex in executive functions for academic skills.

Main Methods:

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used with 231 adolescents performing reading, math, and working memory (WM) tasks.
• Conjunction analyses were employed to isolate cross-domain brain activity related to EP.
• The Neurosynth meta-analytic tool was used for independent identification and conjunction of brain regions.

Main Results:

• Both fMRI and meta-analysis identified overlapping activation in the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, left inferior frontal junction, and left precentral gyrus.
• These regions are associated with domain-general executive processes supporting reading and math.
• Posterior prefrontal cortex regions were highlighted, distinguishing them from more central areas like mid-DLPFC.

Conclusions:

• The left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, inferior frontal junction, and precentral gyrus are key neural substrates for domain-general executive processes in reading and math.
• Posterior prefrontal cortex plays a significant role in supporting executive functions essential for both academic domains.
• This research clarifies the neural basis of executive functions shared across distinct cognitive tasks.