Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 19, 2025

Correlating Behavioral Responses to fMRI Signals from Human Prefrontal Cortex: Examining Cognitive Processes Using Task Analysis
Published on: June 20, 2012
Parallel cognitive processing streams in human prefrontal cortex: Parsing areal-level brain network for response
Takahiro Osada1, Akitoshi Ogawa1, Akimitsu Suda2
1Department of Neurophysiology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan.
This study reveals two parallel brain processing streams for response inhibition. These streams, involving specific cortical areas, work together to control behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Adaptive behavior relies on multiple cognitive processes.
- The temporal organization of cortical processing streams for behavior remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify cortical processing streams for response inhibition.
- To investigate the relationships and information flow between these processing streams.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to observe brain activity.
- Time-resolved single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was employed to disrupt cortical areas.
- Repetitive TMS was used to suppress specific brain regions, followed by single-pulse TMS.
Main Results:
- Three distinct critical timings of disruption were identified in essential cortical areas within two cerebrocortical networks.
- Information flow was observed from the ventral posterior inferior frontal cortex (vpIFC) to the presupplementary motor area (preSMA).
- No causal information flow was detected from vpIFC to the dorsal posterior inferior frontal cortex (dpIFC).
Conclusions:
- Two parallel processing streams, (vpIFC-preSMA) and (dpIFC-intraparietal sulcus), operate concurrently during response inhibition.
- These findings elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying inhibitory control and adaptive behavior.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Parallel Processing
Association Areas of the Cortex
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,...
Lobes of the Cerebrum
Frontal lobe
The frontal lobes, located behind the forehead, are the command center of our brain, controlling personality, intelligence, and voluntary muscle movements....
Motor and Sensory Areas of the 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....
Cerebral Hemispheres
Role of Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex in Memory

