[Human interaction, social cognition, and the superior temporal sulcus]

Bull Acad Natl Med. 2013 Apr-May;197(4-5):817-28; discussion 829.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Human beings are social animals. This ability to live together is ensured by cognitive functions, the neuroanatomical bases of which are starting to be unraveled by MRI-based studies. The regions and network engaged in this process are known as the "social brain ". The core of this network is the superior temporal sulcus (STS), which integrates sensory and emotional inputs. Modeling studies of healthy volunteers have shown the role of the STS.in recognizing others as biological beings, as well as facial and eye-gaze recognition, intentionality and emotions. This cognitive capacity has been described as the "theory of mind ". Pathological models such as autism, in which the main clinical abnormality is altered social abilities and communication, have confirmed the role of the STS in the social brain. Conceptualisation of this empathic capacity has been described as "meta cognition ", which forms the basis of human social organizationand culture.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / pathology
  • Empathy / physiology
  • Facial Expression
  • Functional Neuroimaging
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual / physiology
  • Schizophrenia / pathology
  • Social Behavior*
  • Temporal Lobe / physiology*
  • Theory of Mind / physiology*