Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 12, 2025

Author Spotlight: Deciphering Neural Circuit Formation from Two-Photon Microscopy and Single Neuron Imaging
Published on: November 21, 2023
Tactile exploration and imagery elicit distinct neural dynamics in the parietal cortical network
Qi Zhang1,2, Yang Yang2, Zhemeng Wang2,3
1School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.
Background:
Tactile imagery involves the reconstruction of sensory experiences without actual tactile input. While tactile perception and imagery exhibit similar spatial patterns of neural activation, the underlying neural dynamics, particularly cortical communications within the parietal network, remain unclear.
Methods:
The present study recruited 5 patients with implanted stereo-electroencephalography (sEEG) electrodes and recorded sEEG data during texture scanning and imagery. Local neural representations and interregional communications among parietal cortical regions were analyzed.
Results:
Opposing modulation patterns of local time-frequency representations were observed, with inhibited neural synchronization during texture scanning and activated synchronization during texture imagery. Consistently, the directional communication from the somatosensory cortex to the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) was found to be suppressed for scanning but enhanced for imagery. Additionally, bidirectional communication between the supramarginal gyrus and precuneus was activated during imagery but not scanning, suggesting a unique pathway for reconstructing tactile experiences.
Conclusion:
Our findings proposed that while texture perception and imagery engage overlapping cortical regions, their mechanisms underlying local encoding and interregional communication are distinct.
More Related Videos
08:43Visualizing the Effects of a Positive Early Experience, Tactile Stimulation, on Dendritic Morphology and Synaptic Connectivity with Golgi-Cox Staining
Published on: September 25, 2013
10:05A Large Lateral Craniotomy Procedure for Mesoscale Wide-field Optical Imaging of Brain Activity
Published on: May 7, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex
Somatosensation
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....
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,...