Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 16, 2025
06:42
Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
Published on: September 28, 2018
11.9K
Interactions of Medial and Lateral Prefrontal Cortex in Hierarchical Predictive Coding
William H Alexander1, Thilo Womelsdorf2
1Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States.
Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience
|February 22, 2021
Summary
This study refines the Hierarchical Error Representation (HER) model to explain prefrontal cortex (PFC) interactions in cognitive control. The enhanced model captures neurophysiological and behavioral data, supporting predictive coding in PFC function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Computational Neuroscience
Background:
- Cognitive control and decision-making involve medial and lateral prefrontal cortex (mPFC/lPFC) interactions.
- Existing models lack detailed explanations for continuous mPFC/lPFC interaction during behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extend the Hierarchical Error Representation (HER) model of mPFC/lPFC function.
- To incorporate real-time temporal dynamics into the HER model.
- To demonstrate the model's ability to capture empirical neurophysiological and behavioral data.
Main Methods:
- Computational modeling approach.
- Extension of the HER model with temporal dynamics.
- Comparison of model predictions with existing literature data (neurophysiological, behavioral, network).
Main Results:
- The extended HER model successfully captures single-unit neurophysiological, behavioral, and network effects.
- The model provides a detailed account of mPFC/lPFC interaction dynamics.
- Results align with findings across various studies.
Conclusions:
- The extended HER model offers a robust framework for understanding PFC function.
- Predictive coding provides a unifying principle for PFC organization and operation.
- The model advances our understanding of how mPFC and lPFC interact during cognitive tasks.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Role of Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex in Memory
764
The cerebellum, while traditionally associated with motor control, also plays a crucial role in memory, particularly in procedural memory, which involves learning motor tasks that become automatic through repetition. For example, studies have shown that when the cerebellum is damaged, individuals or animals lose the ability to learn conditioned motor responses, such as the conditioned eye-blink response in classical conditioning experiments with rabbits. This study demonstrates the...
764
01:28Lateralization
741
Brain lateralization refers to the division of mental processes and functions between the two hemispheres of the brain, a phenomenon that optimizes neural efficiency and underpins complex abilities in humans. This specialization allows each hemisphere to perform tasks where it has a comparative advantage, facilitating more refined cognitive capabilities across different domains.
741
01:22Lobes of the Cerebrum
2.7K
The cerebral cortex, a critical structure of the brain, is intricately divided into two hemispheres, each consisting of four distinct lobes: occipital, temporal, frontal, and parietal. These lobes function cooperatively to regulate various cognitive and sensory functions, forming the basis of our complex neural capabilities.
Frontal lobe
The frontal lobes, located behind the forehead, are the command center of our brain, controlling personality, intelligence, and voluntary muscle movements....
Frontal lobe
The frontal lobes, located behind the forehead, are the command center of our brain, controlling personality, intelligence, and voluntary muscle movements....
2.7K
01:18Hierarchy of Motor Control
5.1K
The hierarchy of motor control refers to the different levels of organization and processing involved in controlling movement in the body. These levels range from higher cortical areas involved in planning and decision-making to lower spinal cord reflexes that respond automatically to external stimuli.
5.1K
01:14Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
5.8K
The cerebral cortex, the brain's outermost layer, is pivotal in processing complex cognitive tasks, emotions, and various sensory inputs and executing voluntary motor activities. This intricate structure is divided into three primary functional areas: the motor areas, sensory areas, and association areas.
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....
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....
5.8K
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
7.6K
Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
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,...
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,...
7.6K