Connectivity of the Cingulate Sulcus Visual Area (CSv) in Macaque Monkeys

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Comparative Anatomy
• Primate Research

Background:

• The human posterior cingulate cortex has a visual area (CSv) linked to self-motion perception.
• This area connects to sensory and motor regions involved in locomotion.
• Previous studies suggest primate cingulate cortex involvement in spatial navigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the structural and functional connectivity of the putative CSv in macaque monkeys.
• To compare the connectivity of monkey CSv with that of human CSv.
• To understand the neural basis of self-motion processing and locomotion control in primates.

Main Methods:

• Diffusion MRI and resting-state functional MRI were used in three macaque monkeys.
• The approach mirrored methods used in human CSv connectivity studies.
• Analysis focused on identifying connections of the putative CSv with other brain regions.

Main Results:

• Putative monkey CSv connects with visuo-vestibular areas (e.g., VIP, MSTd) and somatosensory cortex (areas 3/1/2).
• These areas process sensory signals related to self-motion.
• Strong connections were also found with prefrontal (F3, F2, F1) and anterior cingulate (area 24) motor areas.

Conclusions:

• The connectivity pattern of monkey CSv closely resembles that of human CSv.
• This suggests conserved organizational principles for sensorimotor control of locomotion in humans and nonhuman primates.
• The findings bridge the gap between human and nonhuman primate research on self-motion processing.