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Neuroscience: A bottom-up mechanism for cognitive control?
1Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
Current Biology : CB
|August 6, 2024
Summary
A new study reveals a bottom-up pathway for cognitive control. Subcortical regions may disinhibit the orbitofrontal cortex, offering a novel perspective on brain regulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Cognitive control is typically viewed as a top-down process.
- Prefrontal cortex (PFC) is considered the primary driver of cognitive control.
- Existing models emphasize PFC's role in regulating other brain regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential bottom-up mechanisms of cognitive control.
- To explore the role of subcortical regions in modulating prefrontal cortex function.
- To challenge the traditional top-down model of cognitive control.
Main Methods:
- Utilized neuroimaging techniques to observe brain activity.
- Employed tasks designed to probe cognitive control processes.
- Analyzed functional connectivity between subcortical and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC).
Main Results:
- Identified a novel pathway for cognitive control originating from subcortical areas.
- Demonstrated that subcortical regions can disinhibit the orbitofrontal cortex.
- Evidence suggests a bottom-up influence on cognitive control mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive control may involve both top-down and bottom-up processes.
- Subcortical-to-OFC pathways offer a new target for understanding cognitive regulation.
- Findings necessitate a revision of current models of cognitive control.
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