Functional role of the supplementary and pre-supplementary motor areas

Nat Rev Neurosci. 2008 Nov;9(11):856-69. doi: 10.1038/nrn2478. Epub 2008 Oct 9.

Abstract

The supplementary motor complex consists of the supplementary motor area, the supplementary eye field and the pre-supplementary motor area. In recent years, these areas have come under increasing scrutiny from cognitive neuroscientists, motor physiologists and clinicians because they seem to be crucial for linking cognition to action. However, theories regarding their function vary widely. This Review brings together the data regarding the supplementary motor regions, highlighting outstanding issues and providing new perspectives for understanding their functions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Humans
  • Motor Cortex / physiology*
  • Neural Pathways / physiology
  • Somatosensory Cortex / physiology
  • Visual Cortex / physiology*
  • Visual Fields / physiology