Using Tertiary Sulci to Map the "Cognitive Globe" of Prefrontal Cortex.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neuroanatomy
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• The human prefrontal cortex (PFC) is conceptualized as a 'cognitive globe' where functions can be mapped.
• Tertiary sulci, shallow indentations in the PFC, have been historically overlooked but hold potential for mapping cognitive functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the evolutionary, developmental, functional, and cognitive roles of tertiary sulci in the PFC.
• To investigate the utility of tertiary sulci as landmarks for mapping the PFC's 'cognitive globe' and understanding structural-functional relationships.

Main Methods:

• Review of classical anatomical and modern neuroimaging findings on lateral PFC (LPFC) tertiary sulci.
• Comparative neuroanatomy focusing on primate tertiary sulci.
• Synthesis of recent research on tertiary sulci and functional network insights.
• Revisiting theoretical perspectives on tertiary sulci as markers of cortical gradients.

Main Results:

• Tertiary sulci in LPFC have been studied in classical anatomy and modern neuroimaging, with a focus on the middle frontal gyrus.
• Comparative analysis highlights tertiary sulci in primates.
• Recent findings demonstrate tertiary sulci's utility in linking structure to function and functional connectivity in ventromedial PFC and LPFC.
• Tertiary sulci are proposed as landmarks for cortical gradients, updating classic theories.

Conclusions:

• Tertiary sulci are uniquely positioned in the PFC, offering insights across spatial scales, modalities, and species.
• Mapping tertiary sulci within individuals provides a personalized coordinate system for mapping cognitive functions.
• Answering future theoretical and methodological questions will yield mechanistic insights into human LPFC structure and function.