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Inhibition in verbal working memory revealed by brain activation
J Jonides1, E E Smith, C Marshuetz
1Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. jjonides@umich.edu
Summary
Inhibitory processing, crucial for behavior control, is linked to the left prefrontal cortex. This study used a verbal working memory task to pinpoint brain regions involved in inhibiting prepotent responses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Inhibitory control is essential for regulating behavior and cognitive processes.
- Dysfunction in inhibitory processing is linked to frontal cortex pathologies.
- The left inferior frontal gyrus is implicated in executive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural correlates of inhibitory processing during a verbal working memory task.
- To identify specific brain regions involved in inhibiting prepotent responses.
Main Methods:
- A verbal working memory item-recognition task was employed.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) was used to measure brain activity.
- Behavioral data were collected to assess response inhibition.
Main Results:
- A verbal working memory task requiring inhibition of a prepotent "yes" response activated the left inferior frontal gyrus (Brodmann's area 45).
- This activation was observed when participants had to inhibit a "yes" response due to a previously learned association.
Conclusions:
- The left inferior frontal gyrus, specifically the region of Brodmann's area 45, plays a critical role in inhibitory control within verbal working memory.
- These findings contribute to understanding the neural basis of cognitive control and executive functions.
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