A network linking scene perception and spatial memory systems in posterior cerebral cortex

Nat Commun. 2021 May 11;12(1):2632. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-22848-z.

Abstract

The neural systems supporting scene-perception and spatial-memory systems of the human brain are well-described. But how do these neural systems interact? Here, using fine-grained individual-subject fMRI, we report three cortical areas of the human brain, each lying immediately anterior to a region of the scene perception network in posterior cerebral cortex, that selectively activate when recalling familiar real-world locations. Despite their close proximity to the scene-perception areas, network analyses show that these regions constitute a distinct functional network that interfaces with spatial memory systems during naturalistic scene understanding. These "place-memory areas" offer a new framework for understanding how the brain implements memory-guided visual behaviors, including navigation.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cerebral Cortex / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Mental Recall / physiology*
  • Nerve Net / diagnostic imaging
  • Nerve Net / physiology
  • Spatial Memory / physiology*
  • Spatial Navigation / physiology*
  • Visual Perception / physiology*
  • Young Adult