Where We Mentalize: Main Cortical Areas Involved in Mentalization
Matteo Monticelli1, Pietro Zeppa1, Marco Mammi1
1Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini," Turin University, Turin, Italy.
Frontiers in Neurology
|September 13, 2021
Summary
Mentalization, the ability to understand one's own and others' mental states, involves specific cortical areas. Understanding this neural basis aids neurosurgeons in treating brain pathologies and improving surgical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Mentalization is a complex cognitive ability unique to humans and some great apes.
- It involves representing one's own and others' mental states, beliefs, and attitudes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the primary cortical areas involved in mentalization.
- To highlight the importance of understanding the neural substrates of metacognition for neuroscientists and neurosurgeons.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed MEDLINE database.
- Relevant papers were identified by combining keywords related to cognition, metacognition, mentalization, theory of mind, and specific cortical regions.
- Non-English publications were excluded, and data were qualitatively analyzed.
Main Results:
- The review identifies key cortical areas implicated in mentalization, including the prefrontal cortex, temporo-parietal junction, parietal cortex, inferior frontal gyrus, and cingulate gyrus.
- Knowledge of these neural substrates is crucial for understanding mentalizing dysfunctions in brain pathologies.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the neural basis of mentalization is essential for both basic neuroscientists and practicing neurosurgeons.
- This knowledge can improve the diagnosis and treatment of brain pathologies affecting mentalizing abilities and aid in safer neuro-oncological surgeries.
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