Resolving response, decision, and strategic control: evidence for a functional topography in dorsomedial prefrontal cortex

J Neurosci. 2009 Oct 21;29(42):13158-64. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2708-09.2009.

Abstract

The dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) plays a central role in aspects of cognitive control and decision making. Here, we provide evidence for an anterior-to-posterior topography within the DMPFC using tasks that evoke three distinct forms of control demands--response, decision, and strategic--each of which could be mapped onto independent behavioral data. Specifically, we identify three spatially distinct regions within the DMPFC: a posterior region associated with control demands evoked by multiple incompatible responses, a middle region associated with control demands evoked by the relative desirability of decision options, and an anterior region that predicts control demands related to deviations from an individual's preferred decision-making strategy. These results provide new insight into the functional organization of DMPFC and suggest how recent controversies about its role in complex decision making and response mapping can be reconciled.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brain Mapping*
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Decision Making / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Neural Pathways / blood supply
  • Neural Pathways / physiology
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Oxygen / blood
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prefrontal Cortex / blood supply
  • Prefrontal Cortex / physiology*
  • Problem Solving / physiology*
  • Reaction Time / physiology
  • Regression, Psychology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Oxygen